Award-winning El Palacio Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Chandler has launched what chef-owner Anthony Serrano calls a “seven-year itch remodel.’’
The first phase was completed last weekend with the addition of a couple 65-inch HDTVs (pictured) with DirecTV sports packages in the dining room.
Still to come to the restaurant on the northwest corner of Gilbert and Germann: Removing the carpet, staining the concrete floor, and painting the wood paneling around the booths and chairs.
Coming soon: Tortas, sopes, elotes & more
Serrano also is reworking his menu to add tortas (Mexican sandwiches), sopes (thick tortillas with toppings), elotes (corn on the cob), and a few surprises.
‘‘I am really excited about flexing my culinary muscles and adding more authentic and unique dishes to the menu,’’ he says. ‘‘It’s a great reward for our regulars and will be a great experience for new customers.’’
Serrano hopes to roll out the new menu by the end of July, but the renovations may take until the restaurant’s annual Rockin Taco Street Fest in September.
Minimizing disruption for staff & customers
‘‘We’ve worked with the trades so we’ll only have to close a handful of Mondays in July, beginning with the Fourth,’’ Serrano says. ‘‘Most of the construction and renovations will be done in the middle of the night.
‘‘I really didn’t want to hurt my employees or customers by closing down for a couple of week. Going a little slower and working at night will give us the best of both worlds. It’ll be worth it in the end.’’
