Helen Lewis, general manager of Independence Mall, has confirmed that two new restaurants will be added to the lineup of eateries in front of the mall. 

Aye! Toro will feature regional Mexican cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Owner Carlos Llamas currently operates a location in Sanford, where the menu offers burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos and a variety of traditional dishes featuring seafood, steak, chicken and pork. There are also several vegetarian options. 

Aye! Toro’s bar menu features margaritas, mojitos and micheladas, a traditional Mexican cocktail made with Mexican beer, hot sauce, and tomato, lime and clamato juices.

The 4,000-square-foot restaurant will have both indoor and outdoor dining and is located at 3540 Oleander Drive, next to Jersey Mike's. An early August opening is expected. 

Now under construction next to First Watch at 3532 Oleander Drive is Masa Sushi, a new restaurant led by Jun Li of Nikki’s Gourmet & Sushi Bar at the mall’s food court.

Named for famed Japanese chef Masa Takayama, Masa is an Asian eatery that will feature sushi and sashimi, teriyaki and tempura dishes and bento boxes. Construction recently began on the space and an opening date has not yet been set, according to officials at the mall. 

“It’s always exciting to welcome new tenants to the center, especially after this past year,” Lewis said. “We’re glad to welcome both Aye! Toro and Masa Sushi to our roster of dining options and look forward to their openings.” 

Independence Mall has seen a significant growth in restaurant tenants this year with the openings of Jersey Mike’s, First Watch and most recently Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, which opened earlier this month. 

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected].