GENOA TWP. — There’s officially a new restaurant in the former Mary’s Fabulous Chicken and Fish.
Papi’s Taco Parrillero recently opened at 2429 E. Grand River Ave. in Genoa Township. The family-run operation began as a food truck several years ago, serving food at numerous events statewide, including many in Livingston County.
Now, the eatery has a brick-and-mortar location that customers can visit year-round.
Humberto Valencia said he stumbled across the building and spent months completing major renovations himself. The decision to expand came after customers continuously asked whether he had a restaurant.
Valencia runs the business with the help of his wife Tami and their sons Estefan and Alexander. The family is from South Lyon, but Valencia said he felt drawn to Howell.
Papi’s Taco Parrillero was born because Valencia felt other Mexican restaurants weren’t delivering the level of flavor he expected. He said he isn’t afraid to use spice to serve meals “full of flavor.”
The eatery’s menu includes fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, tacos and — on Sundays and Wednesdays — burritos.
Valencia prides himself on sharing recipes he learned from his mother. He uses fresh ingredients and lengthy marination to exhibit flavors from southern Mexico.
“What sets me apart, I believe, is the flavor,” he said. “I’m very excited to serve the community and offer something different.”
Valencia warns his chorizo has a bit of a “kick,” but the flavor makes you want to keep eating. The restaurant also has homemade salsas with varying degrees of heat.
The location, according to Valencia, is great because of the traffic on Grand River Avenue. He’s hoping the eatery will become a spot where customers can grab a quick meal or to-go orders. There are a handful of tables available for dine-in.
Valencia said he’s enjoying getting to know new customers — and still plans to operate the business’ food truck.
Papi’s Taco Parrillero is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays. Learn more at papistacoparrillero.com.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: There’s a new restaurant ‘full of flavor’ at former Mary’s Chicken
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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