2 days Ago
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina has closed one of its three Charleston-area locations. The news comes as the restaurant group welcomes new culinary director Ruddy Bollat and director of operations Michelle Longo. Dave and Chrissy Lorenz opened Mex 1 Coastal Cantina in 2012.
Over the last decade-plus, they’ve created a place known for pairing a fun-loving atmosphere and margaritas with tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more. The decision to close the Mount Pleasant location at 1109 Park West Boulevard is part of an effort to strengthen and focus efforts at the Mexican-inspired restaurant's other two locations in West Ashley and Sullivan’s Island, said Mex 1 marketing director Morgan Hurley. Mexican restaurant in Charleston to close 1 year after opening.
What happened? Shrimp tacos at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina. “We’re excited about the future under the leadership of our new director of operations and culinary director, who bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to our team,” Hurley said. “Our commitment to providing great food and a memorable experience remains strong.
” Bollat started his culinary career as a line cook at Bartaco after immigrating to the U.S. from Guatemala.
He learned to speak English and quickly climbed the ranks. After helping open restaurants in Virginia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
, he launched not one, but two, food trucks. “I came from Guatemala with a lot of dreams and goals,” said Bollat, who left the Bartaco group — which recently added a location in Charleston — because he was “hungry for more.” Today's Top Headlines Story continues below School districts change plans after tropical storm warning announced, inclement weather expected After 27 years, execution nears for Greenville's notorious killer Freddie Owens Islander 71 employees rescue elderly couple from submerging car at Isle of Palms Marina Editorial: Did SC mean to ban Bible from schools? Of course not, but it apparently did.
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Alongside Longo — another Bartaco alum who worked at the original location in Port Chester, N.Y. — Bollat will lead Mex 1 Coastal Cantina through gradual menu changes.
“It’s time for some new creative energy to come to the forefront,” Hurley said. Many of the forthcoming shifts to the menu will be introduced via daily specials, such as seared tuna tacos. Others will be adjustments to recipes like the street corn, which Bollat amplifies by fire roasting the kernels.
Several Charleston restaurants have closed in the last month. Is it a trend or a coincidence? The moves will help refocus the messaging at the restaurant, Hurley said. It’s not a traditional Mexican eatery but a place inspired by road trips down the Baja coast and is meant to evoke a sense of community.
Mex 1’s leadership hires and the closure in Mount Pleasant come as the group considers opening a new location, possibly outside the state. Grounding itself in its roots under strong leadership is the first step toward any potential expansion plans, Hurley said. “We’re also exploring new opportunities both within the Charleston market and beyond,” Hurley said.
“We look forward to what the future holds.” Popular downtown Charleston restaurant formed in the midst of COVID-19 is closing.
