Aztecas authentic Mexican restaurant is looking to open at 400 North Minnesota Street. The building was previously used by the Main Jiang China Buffet. Now, Perdomo and Salgado are bringing Mexican cuisine to the spot.

Perdomo said he grew up around the restaurant business in Texas, where he got the majority of his experience before moving to Minnesota four years ago. Perdomo has been in the New Ulm area for around six months. It is here where he is looking to make his dream come true.

“I have always wanted to open a restaurant,” Perdomo said. “One of the main reasons why I decided to open a Mexican restaurant specifically is because I love the culture, the traditions, the food.”

With a few months under his belt in this area, Perdomo said there are several reasons New Ulm is where he wants to set up shop.

This building, which formerly held the Main Jiang Chinese Buffet, will now feature Mexican cuisine with Alvaro Perdomo (pictured) and Ricardo Saldago’s “Aztecas”.

“I fell in love with the city and its history,” he said. “People are very welcoming are nice. Overall it’s a very peaceful area.”

Perdomo said a lot of full days and overnights have gone into the restaurant since he acquired the property seven months ago. He says they have remodeled, painted, added décor, and everything in between. As opening day gets closer, Perdomo said the emotions are starting to grow.

“We feel very happy and overwhelmed,” he said. “After all this work, we’re excited to be able to share the taste of Mexican food with everyone in this area.”

The menu will include enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tamales, and other authentic Mexican fare. Perdomo said they will also have a bar, staffed by mixologists looking to bring traditional Mexican cocktails and mocktails.

In his decades of service in the industry, Perdomo said being able to share his culture with others is what he enjoys the most.

“To share the Mexican cuisine with other people and know people are walking away happy,” he said.

Entertainment will be a component of the restaurant as well. Perdomo said they are looking to bring in mariachi bands and karaoke for people to participate in. He hinted at the possibility of bringing in local bands for shows as well.

There currently is no set opening date. Perdomo said the restaurant will be open by the end of July at the latest. The hours will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 12 or 1 a.m. weekends.