Just because it's May 6 doesn't mean the Mexican festivities should stop. At El Jefe Luchador in Deerfield Beach, they don't just celebrate the 5th of May, they celebrate every day.
Well, starting Tuesday they will, when they have their official grand opening. Tonight, Saturday and Monday, from 4-10 pm, the Mexican restaurant will continue to serve guests during their soft launch. Owner Mike Saperstein, who also operates Charm City Burgers across the street from El Jefe, had the idea of traditional Mexican street food before he started flipping burgers.
"I eat Mexican more than any other food, usually three times a week," Saperstein says. "Before we opened Charm City, [co-owner Evan and I] wanted to open a street-style taco place."
Saperstein compares the operation's quick service to Chipotle Mexican grill, but across the street is a different fast-casual Mexican food joint, Tijuana Flats, an Orlando-based chain that has swiffered across South Florida over the last five years. Saperstein says while they serve similar food, El Jefe isn't in competition with them.
"We have higher quality meats, we carry corn tortillas," he says. "We don't have any competition in this area." Not even against themselves, apparently, despite Charm City being in the same plaza as Tijuana Flats.
What stands out? The trompo (meat spit) that cooks the al pastor meat daily, serving tacos at $2.50 each. Don't look for the flour tortillas, either. The restaurant only serves corn. With the beer and wine license set to be approved by Tuesday, according to Saperstein, the restaurant will be serving up homemade sangrias in 32 oz mason jars.
El Jefe Luchador, meaning "The Chief Fighter," is based on Saperstein's admiration of Spanish-style wrestling. No word yet if employees will be wearing masks as part of the required dress code.
El Jefe Luchador
27 South Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(954) 246-5333
http://www.eljefeluchador.com (website currently under construction)
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