Felipe Rebollo and Carmen Garcia have done more than provide a before-game, after-church, let’s-get-a-margarita hotspot at Los Zarapes.
They’ve been watching babies grow into adults, creating opportunities for children to play sports and providing employment opportunities for members of their family since 2007.
“So many connections have been made for us at Los Zarapes,” Kristina Robinson said. “I’m remembering a lunch that went long, celebrating the end of a Parks and Rec basketball season. A friendship began at that luncheon. Now our families are dear friends. They offer so much more than good food. They offer the gift of connection. I look forward to making new friends at Los Zarapes for years to come. They always make us feel welcome and they treat us as if they are genuinely thankful for our business.
Immigrants from Mexico, the Rebollo’s said in 2014 that Mahomet is like a second home.
“Customers are more than customers to us,” Carmen said. “They are our friends. Like a family. People come in here two to three times a week. They know our names, and we know their names. We really enjoy being a part of this community.”
The Eastwood Shopping Center tenants opened their doors with the vision of providing the growing town with Mexican food in a space where customers can gather, share and grow together.
The warmth of their restaurant resembles the atmosphere of their hometowns. The textures on the walls, the arches and bricks resemble the city streets where Carmen grew up while the wood awning over the heads of dining customers resembles the house fronts in Mexico.
Their daughter has also painted a mural in the party room.
Of course, as COVID-19 restrictions have closed indoor dining spaces, Los Zarapes still provides the food that helped make them popular with young and old alike.
With daily specials posted on their Facebook page each morning, Los Zarapes continues to serve personal favorites like warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa, Fajitas Habanas, Acapulco Especial and Steak Zarapes.
Los Zarapes is currently open for curbside pick-up and take out. Guests can use one of their two lines to order: 217-586-3735 or 217-586-4234.
