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Mr. Taco’s restaurant has officially opened its doors in Jemison, bringing in business with its affordable, authentic Mexican food.

The restaurant is a dream-come-true for owner Noris “Nicole” Cruz, 29, of Clanton.

Cruz had waitressed many years, striving to learn all she could about the restaurant business in order to ultimately bring to life her dreams of opening her own restaurant.

Many told her she could not do it.

“And I’m here now,” she smiled.

Mr. Taco’s is off to a great start.

“It’s only been three weeks, and we never thought in a million years that we would be [doing] so good,” Cruz said.

Cruz said she selected Jemison for the location in order to keep funds within Chilton County while providing a Mexican restaurant to an area of the county with fewer dining options.

The restaurant is located on County Road 42, filling the space of what used to be a package store.

Cruz said the store had been a single room without bathroom, kitchen or storage facilities.

She and her husband Ruben, who works in construction, took on the challenge.

“Between him and me, we decided to do everything,” Cruz said.

They even drove 3,000 miles to Mexico to pick up handmade leather chairs and tables to seat customers.

Now complete, the spacious room features a kitchen, furniture and all necessary facilities. Its walls are splashed in warm colors, and two murals of Mexican scenes attract attention with their bright illustrations.

Festive Mexican music supplies a cheery atmosphere.

Mr. Taco’s top menu items include a variety of tacos and burritos made with an option of either homemade or regular tortillas, as well as three varieties of salsa — green, pink or red.

Cruz said she hopes to eventually open another restaurant in Pelham.

For more information about Mr. Taco’s, call (205) 688-2322 or visit the Mr. Taco’s Facebook page.

Mr. Taco’s is located at 8959 County Road 42 in Jemison.