When a prime spot became available on The Diamond in Ligonier, Stephanie and Alfredo Hernandez knew they couldn’t pass it up, even during a pandemic.

They’ve had their eye on it for awhile, hoping one day they would be able to open a restaurant in town after nine years of making Mexican food on summer Fridays at nearby Connections Cafe.

“We’ve always waited for this space and, when it came available … we jumped on it,” Stephanie Hernandez said.

The next two months were spent adding murals to the walls and decorating while crafting an authentic Mexican menu featuring some of Alfredo Hernandez’s favorite dishes. There was a bit of hesitation at first — did they really want to open a restaurant when indoor dining capacity is limited as part of coronavirus restrictions?

“But it’ll pass,” Stephanie Hernandez said. “This spot, we didn’t want to give up.”

On Friday, El Vaquero Mexicano — the Mexican Cowboy — opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the sidewalk.

“It is really nice because you don’t have to work for somebody else,” said Alfredo Hernandez, a native of Mexico. “If you never work hard, you’re never going to get nothing.”

The menu has tacos with double tortillas, handmade tamales and tostadas, while including enchiladas, fajitas and quesadillas. Alfredo Hernandez’s favorite menu items include chorizo con huevo, Mexican sausage with eggs, rice and beans and torta, a type of sandwich with beans, cheese, shredded beef and a fried egg.

“All my recipes, I’ve gotten since I’ve been in Mexico,” Stephanie Hernandez said.

The couple, who have lived in Ligonier for about 24 years, got a lot of family help in preparation and that will continue now that they’re open. It will be takeout only for the first week, and they are hiring kitchen and wait staff.

The couple gained a following at Connections Cafe. Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce interim Director Joyce McIntire said running a restaurant during a pandemic is a challenge, but she’s happy to see a prime spot on The Diamond be filled.

“It is exciting and I do wish them well,” she said. “I give them a lot of credit.”

El Vaquero Mexicano will be open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours on Friday and Saturday are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant can be reached at 878-238-1105.

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