Business & Tech
Don Marcos Mexican Restaurant to Open Early This Year
It will replace the former Bad Monkey on Algonquin's East Side.
After working in construction for 25 years, Mark Garcia is ready for a change. The Lake in the Hills resident plans to open his first restaurant, Don Marcos Mexican Restaurant, in Algonquin early this year.
Garcia, who was born in New Mexico and grew up in Texas, chose the former Bad Monkey location at 1030 E. Algonquin Road to bring his knowledge of Mexican cuisine to the Algonquin area.
“I’m using my own finances,” he said, “and everything here was pre-built, so it was a good opportunity for me.”
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He is waiting on a few more necessary permits from the village, but everything else is ready for business.
“I’d like to open as soon as we can,” he said. “As soon as I can stock up, we’ll be ready to go.”
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Garcia always has loved cooking, but he took a particular interest in it when he became a father.
“I wanted to cook healthy for my son,” he said. “I was always calling my mom to ask how to cook certain things. I watch a lot of cooking shows, too.”
Although Don Marcos is his first restaurant, Garcia does have experience in the restaurant industry.
“My two brothers each own restaurants in Texas,” he said. “I’ve worked with them there. It’s very helpful — I’ve been getting advice from them.”
Garcia plans to highlight authentic Mexican cuisine with hints of local flavors from his Southwestern upbringing.
“New Mexico is known for its chili,” he said. “It has its own unique flavor.” Garcia also will offer traditional dishes like enchiladas, burritos and tacos.
Once Don Marcos opens, Garcia plans to hold a grand opening event with special discounts and offers. If all goes well, he also would consider opening another location on Randall Road in Algonquin.
“The village has been great,” he said. “They’ve been patient with me, because I don’t know a lot about this kind of stuff. I’ve met a lot of good people in this process.”
Garcia looks forward to getting everything finalized and ready to go as soon as possible.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “Construction has been very good to me for the past 25 years, but I’m ready for a change of pace.”
