A new dining spot in downtown Fairbury can be traced back to Veracruz, Mexico which is where the family originates from.
“Family is so important to me that I wanted to bring their culture, food and many other things to Fairbury,” explains El Jarocho Bar and Grill owner Kelly Toto.
Veracruz is known for an abundance of seafood and regardless of their profession, various states in Mexico refer to the residents as “Jarochos” which is where the restaurant name El Jarocho comes from.
“Our menu here has numerous plates to choose from,” notes Toto. “We have seafood, fajitas, chimichangas, specialty plates and so much more.”
A specialty includes the fan favorite Loaded Chimichanga. It is a deep fried chimichanga with chicken, steak, chorizo and potatoes inside and on top, it is covered with cheese sauce bacon, cheddar cheese and served with rice and beans.
“Growing up behind the scenes of the restaurant’s owner and being operated by my mother, aunt and cousin has been an invaluable experience – one that has had a lasting impact on my life. My husband and I are grateful for their presence and influence on our lives,” added Toto.
The family has restaurants in Tuscola, Arthur and Shelbyville with different food but some similar plates.
Co-owner Rafael Ramirez has also been around the family restaurant business for some time.
“I began my career in the restaurant industry 10 years ago starting as a dishwasher, advancing to a cook and presently being a part of El Jarocho Bar & Grill,” Ramirez reflected. “Although my origins are from Oaxaca, Mexico, I continue to learn about new cuisines and my wife’s cultural traditions.”
They hope to feature Oaxacan dishes at the restaurant eventually.
Toto and Ramirez especially enjoy meeting new people and are excited about the new venture in Fairbury since they have done renovations to the building.
“My husband, dad, cousin and other family members all pitched in on the renovations. They did the wall paintings, fixed up the kitchen, bathrooms, main dining area and our bar,” explained Toto.
Neighboring Aftershock Decals and Design helped with the outdoor sign on the side of the restaurant while Steidinger Brothers worked on plumbing and electricity and business neighbors also helped them out.
El Jarocho Bar and Grill is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is located at 101 West Locust Street in Fairbury, in the former Benchwarmer’s Pub and Burgers & Beer building. They can be reached at 815-692-1107.
If you don’t want to eat, check out the bar area for drinks or watch your favorite team playing.
“We want to invite everybody to check us out,” said Toto.
