The new Mercado Restaurant in Worcester is generating hype since opening in the former Flying Rhino Café & Watering Hole space on Shrewsbury Street. A family and friends party preceded the official launch on March 10.
Melanie Maldonado of Worcester, with her brother Juan Maldonado of Boston and their cousin, Jose L. Morillo of Worcester, own and operate the Ecuadorian-Peruvian style restaurant. After executing a lease in October 2025, owners renovated and customized the restaurant interior for their concept “inspired by traditional Latin markets.” The atmosphere is often described as “light, airy, modern with a mix of warm textures.” Decorative elements include Ecuadorian and Peruvian pottery.
The Flying Rhino permanently closed in June 2025 after 25 years. Paul Barber and wife Melina Capsalis Barber sold to restaurateurs Enton Mehillaj and Oriola Koci, founders and former owners of Livia’s Dish and Altea’s Eatery, both in Worcester. Koci recently said she and her husband feel incredibly fortunate to have found the ideal fit for the former Rhino space, adding, “It’s a fantastic partnership.”…