The restaurant originally opened in July 2024 in the former Main Jiang China Buffet location, but owner Álvaro Perdomo said the business closed in May 2025 due to rising food costs, rent increases and staffing shortages.

“We had to pause for a while,” Perdomo said. “It was hard to keep up with everything — prices, staff, rent. We needed time to reorganize.”

Perdomo, who co-founded Aztecas with Ricardo Salgado, resumed operations this fall with new business partner José Silva. Silva previously worked in another restaurant and joined the team to help address staffing shortages and management challenges.

“Another problem the restaurant has been facing is poor management,” Silva said. “I came here to work hard and get it into the best possible condition.”

Photo by Amy Zents Orlando Alvarez, kitchen staff, left, Chef Manuel Carrillo, center, and owner Álvaro Perdomo at Aztecas Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill in New Ulm. The team recently resumed operations with expanded offerings and updated décor following a temporary closure.

The kitchen is now led by Chef Manuel Carrillo, who brings years of experience in Mexican cuisine. Perdomo said Carrillo has helped strengthen the culinary team and expand the menu.

“We’ve added new dishes with authentic Mexican flavor,” Perdomo said. “Our cooks have years of experience in Mexican cuisine.”

“We’re offering breakfast on Sundays now,” Perdomo said. “It starts at 8 a.m. and includes traditional dishes and specials.”

Lunch specials are available Monday through Friday.

“We’ll have a different lunch special every weekday,” Perdomo said. “It’s something affordable and fresh for our customers.”

Aztecas Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill, located at 400 N. Minnesota St. in New Ulm, features a newly installed banner with traditional Aztec imagery as part of its recent reopening and rebranding efforts. Aztecas Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill, located at 400 N. Minnesota St. in New Ulm, features a newly installed banner with traditional Aztec imagery as part of its recent reopening and rebranding efforts.

The menu includes burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, tortas, chorizo, chips and salsa, and other traditional items. Perdomo said the restaurant plans to introduce new dishes while maintaining customer favorites.

“We’re keeping the favorites,” he said. “But we also want to bring in new dishes and ideas.”

Aztecas has updated its interior and exterior decor. A new banner features Mexican imagery, including the Aztec calendar, La Catrina and portraits of artists such as Vicente Fernández.

“We’ve made some changes inside,” Silva said. “We want the space to feel more welcoming.”

Perdomo said future plans include adding a front patio for summer dining and creating a recreation area for children. A pool table may also be added to one of the side rooms to offer more comfort for guests.

The restaurant is completing its bar area and awaiting approval of a liquor license. Once finalized, Perdomo said the team plans to offer weekend entertainment.

“When the license arrives, we’ll offer karaoke Fridays, live music Saturdays and drink specials on margaritas and beer,” he said.

Non-alcoholic beverages currently available include virgin margaritas, piña coladas, mangonadas, daiquiris and other specialty drinks.

Home delivery service is also planned.

“We’re working out the details,” Perdomo said. “We want to offer delivery for customers who prefer to eat at home.”

“We’re excited to be back,” Perdomo said. “We hope people come in and see what’s new.”

“This is a fresh start,” Silva said. “We’re ready to serve the community again.”

Aztecas is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.