A Lebanon building that was home to an iconic restaurant for decades is back in business with MAJO Italian/Tex Mex now open at 625 S. Cumberland Street.
The building in the Cedar Square shopping center is the former home of Gondola Restaurant, which closed in November after about 49 years.
MAJO Italian/Tex Mex is owned and operated by husband and wife Javier and Karen Garcia, who own two Garcia’s Grill restaurants in Bowling Green, Kentucky. There are also two Garcia’s brand restaurants in Franklin, Tennessee owned by other family members.
MAJO Italian/Tex Mex at 625 S. Cumberland Street in Lebanon is now open combining Mexican and Italian food options in the Cedar Square shopping center.
The concept for the Lebanon restaurant is to offer Mexican and Italian menu options for families and groups that want different options, Javier Garcia said.
Customers from Lebanon who traveled to Bowling Green and the desire to add Italian foods that include made from scratch pizzas and pastas helped lead the Garcias to its expansion into Middle Tennessee.
“It’s a different challenge, something we’ve dreamed of and now it’s coming true,” Javier Garcia said.
Popular items the Garcias will bring from the Bowling Green locations include Fish Tacos with Grouper fish, Fajitas made with poblano pepper and made from scratch chips.
Chef Miguel Angel, who has worked for years with the Garcias, will be part of the Lebanon restaurant.
The Garcias are leasing the building, which has also been upgraded with new chandeliers, fresh paint, decorations and equipment.
MAJO Italian/ Tex Mex had a “soft opening” Jan. 20 and will initially open six days a week, Tuesday-Sunday. Eventually the plan is for MAJO Italian Tex Mex to open seven days per week, Javier Garcia said.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MAJO Italian/Tex Mex opens where Gondola Restaurant closed in Lebanon
Dining and Cooking