Since El Nopalito graduated from its food cart to a much-awaited brick-and-mortar restaurant in July, crowds of customers linger after closing. Reluctant to leave the warm atmosphere of the new Mexican restaurant on Willamette Street, some stay for 45 minutes to an hour after the 9 pm closing time.
What may be a frustration for some restaurant owners is a delight to Marco and Eduardo Ariano. “Everyone’s having a good time,” Marco says. “It brings us joy.”
After many weekends where Marco would sell out early in their food truck to the disappointment of customers who would come from Florence or Salem to try their food, he’s grateful to have a place that can serve everyone. He was already familiar with the kitchen at their new location, too. The last time Marco was working at that storefront on Willamette, he was at Claim 52 as a line cook…