El MunchiLoco opens in shopping plaza at Edison and Hickory roads
Jaime Dominguez and his brother Javier were looking for an opportunity to expand their business when they came across an empty space in a plaza at 3622 Edison Road in South Bend.
“We really liked the central location between South Bend and Mishawaka and near the movie theater, the mall and apartments,” Jaime says, adding that they spent almost three months renovating the space before opening on April 1.
Though the two have been operating Leo’s Family Restaurant in Lakeville since 2012, they didn’t want to launch another full-service restaurant in the new space because of the heavy competition in the surrounding area.
Instead, the brothers opted to open a shop ― appropriately called El MunchiLoco, which roughly translates as "crazy munchies" ― that focuses on treats such as ice cream, paletas, nieves and fruit bowls while also offering lighter fare such as tortas, wings, Mexican corn, fries and more.
“We don’t think there’s anything like us between the west side of South Bend and Elkhart,” says Jaime, whose family ― including their father Leo ― has been in the restaurant business here for several decades.
Besides aiming to find their niche through location, the two also wanted to offer something that they say is unique to the area. With a beer and wine license at the new location, the two decided to also offer micheladas, a Mexican cocktail that originally combined beer, lime, salt and various hot sauces.
To learn at the source, the brothers made some "research" trips to taste and learn firsthand some of the cutting-edge flavors that are now being offered at bars and restaurants in Mexico City.
“It’s a way to change the ordinary into something tasty and different,” Jaime says, adding that micheladas are especially refreshing as the weather heats up.
Though the Dominguez brothers expect most of the business at El MunchiLoco will be carryout, the colorful new space also contains 20 seats for those who might opt to get a light lunch or dinner with a beer or michelada.
For those who are looking for affordable treats and lighter fare, nearly everything on the menu is priced below $10 and is offered at varying sizes to accommodate small to large appetites.
“Besides neighbors, we hope to draw customers who might be coming to the movie theater or shopping in Mishawaka,” Jaimie says. “We’re also located between Notre Dame and Bethel universities."
Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Have you heard
Glendora Bookshop at 110 E. Front St., Buchanan, will celebrate its grand opening on April 27, which just so happens to be Independent Bookstore Day. The owner of the store, Carla Mayer, is a former teacher and wanted to create another gathering spot in the rapidly redeveloping downtown area. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Drive & Shine recently opened its newest location at 3804 Portage Road in South Bend. The new location includes outdoor vacuums and is the 19th location for the locally-based car wash, detailing and oil-change business. With recent openings in Valparaiso and Crown Point, Drive & Shine now has 19 locations in Indiana and Michigan.
Email Market Basket columnist Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: New South Bend eatery offers sweet treats, lighter fare and micheladas
