On Friday, September 15, a brand new Mexican restaurant will open in downtown Flandreau in the building formerly the site of the Flandreau Café.
Kiko’s Authentic Mexican Taco Shop, located at 110 North Wind St., has always been a dream for owner Francisco “Kiko” Juarez.
Having previously worked in construction and as a radio host in the Twin Cities, Juarez decided to make his dream a reality, meeting up with his friend Federico “Fred” Amaya a few times a year to look at restaurants in Minnesota.
During this time, Juarez said he met up with a friend in Sioux Falls who told him about Flandreau.
“We drove here to see the town and I loved it,” Juarez said. “It’s quiet. Everybody’s friendly.”
He met with the previous owner of the site, and said he would take it.
Juarez spoke with Amaya, a real estate agent in the Twin Cities, told him he found the right place and the two partnered together to fund the business.
“He’s been telling me about wanting his own restaurant for maybe 12 years now,” Amaya said. “When he told me about this place, that he had found the right place for him, I thought he was crazy. Three months later we’re here.”
The four-page menu at the restaurant will include authentic Mexican foods, like chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas and fish tacos as well as French fries, onion rings and fried ice cream for dessert.
Juarez, who has always loved to cook, will be the chef. He said cleanliness and hygiene are his number one priorities at the restaurant.
Amaya said he will mainly be managing the finances and making sure the bills are paid.
The two personable men have been friends for nearly 20 years, having met when Amaya went on Juarez’s radio show for a promotion for his real estate business.
While Amaya will remain in Minnesota, Juarez has begun looking for housing in Flandreau, where he and his wife plan to move to from St. Cloud, Minn. within a few months.
“It’s a dream I had to start my own business, we started little by little,” Juarez said. “Something where I can support myself and my family, support somebody else by providing a job. It’s a dream that has come true, finally.”
The opening is planned for September 15. Hours are Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information about Kiko’s, to provide help in any way or for those interested in a waiter/waitress position, contact Kiko at 763-291-8612 or Fred at 763-286-0814.
