ST. CLAIRSVILLE – A new restaurant in the Ohio Valley Plaza has brought some south-of-the-border flavor and charm to the area.

Tlaquepaque Mexican Grill & Restaurant officially opened its doors a week ago in the plaza site in St. Clairsville near Staples. Named after a town in Mexico, Tlaquepaque – pronounced “tla – kay – PAH – kay” – offers authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch and diner.

The colorful decor bursts with Latin style, but the authenticity comes from the staff – most of whom are natives of Mexico.

“We’ve been very busy already,” said manager Jorge Macias, noting that the restaurant first opened a week ago on Saturday.

The long-awaited opening of the restaurant in St. Clairsville brings the another Tlaquepaque in a growing franchise to Ohio. Other Tlaquepaque restaurants in the franchise are located in Canton, Cambridge and Zanesville. The family-based business was established in 1994, and according to the menu, those at the restaurant “enjoy providing high-quality food and beverage, warm and friendly service and a good value for you and your family.

“From our family to yours, Tlaquepaque is proud to be part of your neighborhood “

The extensive menu offers a wide variety of everyone’s favorite Mexican dishes and more. Macias said their specialties are among the most popular menu items like fajitas and burritos.

While many of the staff members are natives of Mexico, some are locals who were a natural fit for the team. Originally from Texas, sisters Brittany and Brooke Rejonis live in St. Clairsville.

“We’re half-Mexican,” said Brittany Rejonis. “Our mom is Mexican, and when she saw there was a Mexican restaurant opening up, she told us we should apply for jobs here, so we did.”

The sisters said they don’t speak Spanish fluently like their workmates, but they’re learning quickly.

All of the items on the menu are reasonably prices. Items range from those on the lunch menu to combination dinners, vegetarian dishes, sides, appetizers, a la carte menu, children’s menu and a wide variety of specialties. Patrons can dine in or place orders for carry-out. Legal beverages – including specialty margaritas – are expected to be available in the future as well.

Tlaquepaque Mexican Grill & Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call the restaurant at (740) 695-2560.

Ayres can be reached at eayres@timesleaderonline.com