New Hingham Mexican Restaurant Expects to Open This Summer

White paint is currently being splashed over the old red Chili’s location on Route 53 while the inside is being transformed into a family Mexican restaurant.

Plaza Azteca, a family owned Mexican chain restaurant, is planning to open in the former Chili’s location in 3-4 weeks, according to Marketing Director Manuel Rubio. 

Rubio told Hingham Selectmen on Monday that 80 percent of the renovations to the former Chili’s location have been completed. 

The new Mexican restaurant, which has locations in Methuen and Worcester, was granted a liquor license from the Hingham Board of Selectmen on Monday night.

Rubio said Plaza Azteca has hired one of the top five bartenders in the Nation to create their drink menu, which will offer frozen margaritas, sangria, and a variety of other drinks made with fresh fruits.

The restaurant’s signature platter is their Sizzling Fajitas.  The menu lists a variety of Mexican dishes including, burritos,  enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, steaks, chicken and seafood options and nachos with a multiple different dips. There is also a kids menu, salads and vegetarian options.

Selectman Irma Lauter said she heard good reviews from friends in Metheun about the business and she is looking forward to the opening in Hingham.

Plaza Azteca was started in Virginia by two gentlemen from the Jalisco, México back in 1994.  They have since kept the business in their family and have expanded to Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

Rubio said they chose to expand to Hingham because there is a need for a high quality Mexican restaurant on the South Shore. 

“There is a good opportunity for a Mexican restaurant here in Hingham,” Rubio said.  “We knew it’s a good town, with good people.” 

The owner’s nephew, Hector Angel runs the New England locations, according to Rubio.

Antonio Melendez will manage the Hingham location.

Plaza Azteca is planning to expand across New England and expects to open 50 new locations in the next 10 years, Rubio said.