Above the door inside the new Rios Mexican Restaurant in Grand Haven, Mi, a sign sums it up:  “All because two people fell in love.”

The eatery at 1106 Robbins Road in the D&W plaza opened Dec. 28 and is the third restaurant operated by the Rios family. The others are in New Buffalo, Mi and Michigan City, Ind.

Owner Pedro Rios Jr., 21, chose Grand Haven, he says, because of a girl. That girl is Grand Haven native Jennifer Shollack. “She stole my heart,” Rios said.

(picture taken by:Johnny Quirin)

Tacos and all the fixings are ready for eating. Mexican food lovers will be the ones to reap the culinary benefits of the romance, however, and may fall hard themselves for the authentically prepared Mexican family recipes and fresh, natural ingredients. From the artfully plated chicken quesadillas to the deftly built burritos, every meal is made from scratch and fresh to order.

Pedro Rios Sr., Rios’ father, has been on loan from his own restaurant for the last few months helping to train cooks from another Rios restaurant who relocated  to help open the new restaurant and make sure everything is up to the standards of the family name.

According to Rios Jr., the only thing that is not homemade on the premises is the flour tortillas and the only thing on the entire menu that is fried is the tortilla chips.

“We’ve used the same tortilla maker for 17 years, and there’s not a better one you’ll find,” he said.

Rios Jr. was able to open the restaurant with capital from an inheritance. The high school graduate decided to forego business school and instead, work in his family’s business, which he has done since he was 6 years of age.

“My father is the best teacher of all, and I have learned about business all my life firsthand,” he said.

The restaurant serves takeout and seats 40. Meal prices range from about $3 to $8, and a children’s menu is available. Hours are daily. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun – Thurs and 11a.m. to 10p.m. Fri-Sat. Come In and Enjoy the feeling of being,where you should be, in Mexico!