By Ben Cox
The Source Newspaper
Photos/Ben Cox and Special to The Source
Ten years ago, a small, family-run restaurant opened its doors on West Morton Avenue with a simple promise: handmade Mexican food, prepared with care and served like you were part of the family.
Today, Little Mexico is celebrating a decade in Jacksonville—and the family behind it says the journey has been anything but easy.
When Hector Alvarado and Neri Hernandez opened Little Mexico at 2001 West Morton Ave. in Jacksonville on February 8, 2016, the menu was small and the space modest. The couple had experience in the food industry—Alvarado as a server and restaurant manager, Hernandez operating a food truck—but owning a brick-and-mortar restaurant was new territory.
“It’s not very easy for everyone to continue for 10 years,” Alvarado shares during a recent interview. “This is a lot of work.”
A lot of work—and a lot of growth.
From day one, Little Mexico distinguished itself by preparing everything in-house. Tortillas. Salsa. Sauces. Dishes built from scratch rather than shipped in. That commitment to quality, Alvarado says, hasn’t changed.
“We continue with the same quality from the first day,” he says. “The best products. The food and the service, too. This restaurant is for my family. It’s all my family. It’s very important for me.”
Growing beyond the original vision
In its first year, Little Mexico renovated its Jacksonville space and later added a fully stocked bar area. Over time, the once “very, very small” menu expanded into a wide-ranging lineup of customer favorites—from Mexican-style tacos to enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and specialty drinks.
The restaurant embraced delivery as demand increased. Plus, Little Mexico regularly marks its anniversary with festive celebrations, including mariachi music, food specials and customer giveaways. For the 10-year anniversary on Feb. 8, customers were able to experience special promotions, drink specials and plenty of gratitude.
“I would like to give all my customers … thank you … for supporting us for these 10 years,” Alvarado says. “And we would like to continue.”
The Jacksonville community, he says, has embraced both the restaurant and his family.
From Jacksonville to expansion
What began as a single restaurant has grown into a small regional presence. After Jacksonville, the family expanded to Illinois locations in Beardstown and Virginia. Now, they have their sights set on Springfield.
According to a January 30 report in the Springfield Business Journal, Alvarado and Hernandez have purchased the former Paris Cleaners building at 910 South Grand Ave. in Springfield with plans to open what would become their fourth Little Mexico location.
The Springfield building will require an addition to accommodate a full kitchen and dining area, and the owners are currently seeking zoning approval from city officials. Parking requirements may present a challenge, but the family remains optimistic. Alvarado says it’s a new part of his dream to expand into Springfield.
For Alvarado, expansion isn’t about chasing growth for growth’s sake—it’s about bringing their approach to new communities while protecting what made the original restaurant special.
“We continue with the same quality and the prices,” he shares. “Not very high, not too cheap. Good prices for this area.”
Looking ahead—and staying rooted
Ten years in, Alvarado admits he’s tired—but also deeply proud.
When asked how it feels to reach the milestone, he smiles and reflects: “Very tired. Yes. I’m happy. I’m very happy.”
He hopes to pass the restaurant down to his children one day and keep the project alive as a true family legacy. He also envisions thoughtful updates to the Jacksonville location in the near future, possibly including continued remodeling and even a small outdoor patio for el fresco dining.
And there may be something sweet in the future as well.
Hernandez has long made homemade Mexican-style ice cream known as helado, crafted from fresh, natural ingredients. The couple has discussed the possibility of adding a small ice cream venture—perhaps even a food truck—featuring traditional flavors made from scratch.
“It’s all natural,” Alvarado says. “Very fresh.”
Through economic shifts, rising competition, a global pandemic and the everyday demands of running a restaurant, Little Mexico has remained steady in its identity: family-centered, quality-driven and community-minded.
Alvarado welcomes competition, saying it pushes everyone to be better. But he remains confident in what sets Little Mexico apart.
“We give very good food. Very good quality,” he states. “And we continue.”
As Jacksonville’s Little Mexico celebrates its 10th anniversary, the message from its owners is simple—thank you. Thank you for a decade of support. Thank you for growing with us. And thank you for making Little Mexico part of your family dining out experience in Jacksonville.
