By Staff Writer Dave Domezik
MONTEVALLOOn Saturday, June 14, Xcaret Grill Mexican Restaurant celebrated its formal ribbon cutting, ushering in a new era for the eatery and the local dining scene. The event was held in downtown Montevallo, and there was a lively environment throughout.
Xcaret Grill, owned by Saray and Daniel Jimenez, is located at 1032 Main Street and serves real Mexican food with a focus on family values. The ribbon cutting was a formal welcome into the center of Montevallo’s commercial community, even though the restaurant has been quietly operating since late April.
When you initially open, it might be challenging to get everyone on staff acclimated to the menu and organize things, Saray said. Since we opened, we’ve been working hard to improve, and people have been enjoying the food. Based on the fact that I see repeat business, I think we’ve done a great job and are headed in the right direction.
An unexpected turn of events led to the opening of Xcaret Grill. After graduating from cosmetology school, Saray initially planned to create a hair shop, which is why she scouted the Main Street property. However, a discussion with her spouse, Daniel, swiftly changed course.
“I searched Google for a place to open my hair salon, and this location in Montevallo came up,” Saray said. Everything began when my husband proposed that we create a new restaurant instead of the hair business that was initially intended.
The name of the restaurant, Xcaret, means “small inlet” in the Mayan language. The couple’s intention to give the restaurant a strong cultural heritage is further highlighted by the reference to a historic archaeological site on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
According to Saray, the restaurant’s popularity and uniqueness stem from its dedication to quality, which they have carried over from their previous location, Cozumel Grill in Pelham.
Saray stated, “We serve high-quality food.” We also serve foods that aren’t found at other restaurants.
Popular items on the menu include a bowl of grilled chicken, a customizable burrito, a variety of margaritas, and classic Mexican drinks like Mexican Coca-Cola and Jarritos.
Beyond cuisine, Saray underlined that the core values of Xcaret Grill are helping people and fostering a welcoming environment more than simply providing meals.
“So far, I feel like it’s been worth it, even though it’s been a lot of hard work and occasionally sleepless nights,” Saray said.
Since the restaurant’s first launch, Montevallo inhabitants have responded well to that idea, and both locals and tourists are increasingly supporting it.
According to Saray, it takes a long time for a seed to sprout and produce fruit. All of the effort was worthwhile because of the ribbon cutting.
Because they want to prioritize time for leisure, family, and faith, Xcaret Grill is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and supper and closed on Sundays, according to Saray.
“I think it was fair for the staff to have a family day because a restaurant (takes) a lot of work,” she remarked. Time spent at church or with family are examples of the best things that money cannot purchase.
The tale of Saray and Daniel Jimenez served as a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources and that delicious food is enhanced when it is infused with love, culture, and community as the restaurant was formally opened and welcomed into the Montevallo business community.
Please contact Xcaret Grill at 205-476-8901 for additional information.
