Fiesta Restaurant Brings Mexico to Norton

The Ramirez family just opened their newest Fiesta location in Norton, and Zoel Ramirez says it’s a treat to share Mexican cuisine with the community for the first time.

“I know Norton has never had a Mexican restaurant before,” he said. “I think it would be good for the people here.”

Fiesta now has three locations, including Somerset and East Bridgewater. He said he loved the job even growing up.

“I grew up washing dishes, cleaning tables right up until management,” he said.

He said all the recipes are traditional Mexican dishes. He said his father and mother are originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, and brought their expertise to the states.

“My father and mother always loved to cook,” he said. “But they always come up with new ideas. We have three locations, but they’re still cooking and are very involved. They come in and taste everything in every restaurant. They taught me a lot.”

Ramirez said he’s always loved cooking and the tradition was passed down to him. He said it was a real experience, from slicing to tasting.

“It’s fun to cook something so small and then do it on a larger scale for a restaurant,” he said. “Seeing it grow as a dish, going up to customers and then seeing them like it, it’s awesome.”

Ramirez and his family first moved to California when they entered the U.S. He said he’s always had an affinity for sports, but dreamed of coming to New England.

“Most people want to go to California from New England because of the weather,” he said. “I’ve always been a Boston fan though. Celtics, Red Sox; It was like a dream to come and live over here. And I like the four seasons too.”

Ramirez said the cooking is very involved in the restaurant. He said they have 10 different types of salsa they make daily, as well as their dishes, meats and corn chips.

“We’re lucky to have a very great team,” he said. “We treat everyone in here like family. We’re all involved. If I have to wait tables to help the people I work with, I will. If I have to jump in the kitchen, I do that too. I’m very hands on and I make sure everything comes out the right way.”

Ramirez said the restaurant is currently preparing for Cinco de Mayo. According to History.com, the day commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). Ramirez laughed as he recalled other Cinco de Mayo parties in the past.

“It’s always crazy,” he said. “But it’s really amazing to me that everyone celebrates it with us.”

This year, Ramirez said he is trying to book a real mariachi band for Cinco de Mayo, but it may prove to be difficult.

“It’s so busy for all Mexican restaurants, but we’re hoping to book some mariachi bands. But unfortunately there aren’t that many around to begin with.”

Fiesta in Norton is open Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant is located in the Great Woods Plaza.