FLUSHING, MI — Sharing his Mexican culture with new friends and families is something restaurant owner Juan Vizcarra is looking forward to dishing out to the community of New Lothrop.
Juan Vizcarra opened his first business as co-owner of Don Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant in Clio in 2018 and a few years later, he opened a second location in Chesaning in September 2021.
His vision and plan is to open a third Don Felipe’s location in downtown New Lothrop in the next three to four months in place of the former The Hornet’s Nest bar, located at 9483 Genesee St.
Vizcarra co-owns the restaurants along with Javier Bernal Sr. and Javier Bernal Jr,. all who are originally from the state of Jalisco in Mexico.
“Don Felipe was Javier Bernal Sr.’s dad. Javier Bernal Sr. and Javier Bernal Jr. are my partners and the ones who gave me the chance to become a business owner in 2018,” said Vizcarra. “We used Felipe’s name to keep alive his name, memory and legacy.”
Vizcarra immigrated to the United States in 2005 from his hometown in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
“I come from a very poor family back in Mexico, so to me getting somewhere in life is a goal I have for me and my two kids. What I am doing now is for my family and my kids so they can have a better life and a better future. My family is everything to me,” Vizcarra said.
Don Felipe’s Mexican Restaurant offers traditional handmade meals freshly made from scratch.
Menu favorites include; authentic street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Menu items maintain affordability and range from $7 to $18.
“We are super excited to open in New Lothrop and be part of the amazing community,” said Vizcarra. “We cannot wait to share our delicious authentic fresh Mexican food and the best margaritas you will ever try!”
He credits the Bernal family for his success and providing the chance to be part of the business.
“I’m not blood related to the Bernal family, but we have been working together for so long that to me they are my family,” Vizcarra said. “I hope one day I can become as successful as Javier Bernal Sr. He really is my role model. I really admire him.”
Hours of operation for Don Felipe’s in Clio, 138 W. Vienna St., are 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Fridays and 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.
Don Felipe’s hours in Chesaning, 120 W. Broad St., are 11 a.m.-9: 30 Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.
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