Brothers Miguel and Ramon Villasenor, co-owners of Los Portales Supermarket and Los Portales Taqueria, have leased the space formerly occupied by Olo Cantina at 5607 Carolina Beach Road.
 
Tequila Comida and Cantina will feature the authentic Mexican cuisine that Los Portales is known for, with an emphasis on lighter, healthier options. Miguel Villasenor said customers will find Mexican staples such as burritos and tacos, as well as lots of salads, fresh fish dishes and the ceviches served at Los Portales Taqueria.
 
Villasenor said the new eatery is a concept he and his brother have been working on for quite some time, and they are excited to bring it to the Monkey Junction area.
 
“We are aware that people are concerned about their health and weight and the types of food they are eating.” Miguel Villasenor said. “Mexican food can be heavy, but there are also plenty of flavorful, lighter dishes.”
 
Ramon Villasenor, despite more than 10 years of hands-on experience in the kitchen, will soon graduate from a two-year culinary program at Cape Fear Community College. He decided to attend the program to further his skills and learn new techniques that he felt would help refine his cooking.
 
“We will serve great food at a great price with a lot of imagination in the preparation and plating,” Miguel Villasenor said.
 
Architectural plans are still being finalized, but the Villasenors say they plan to take on additional space from a neighboring unit to expand and redesign the dining room. There will be a full bar with a partition to separate it from the dining area as well as an outdoor bar and patio.
 
A late-December to early-January opening is expected.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email [email protected].