'The Right Fit': El Sombrero Owner Eager To Open In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — Aiden Bermudez knew it the moment he saw it: he could bring the vacant building on US 30 back to life.

Bermudez, a restaurateur with two other businesses, instantly began dreaming up his vision for the former Pizza Hut in New Lenox.

"I loved it since the first day I saw it," he said.

Determined, he decided it had to be his, and he would transform the space at 338 W. Maple into sit-down Mexican restaurant El Sombrero.

Glenn Jurgens, an agent representing the property's owners, picked up on Bermudez's pluck. They did some research, digging into demographics and surveying the local business landscape.

"We’ve had at least 30 that we have turned down," Jurgens said, of other businesses who'd expressed interest in the space. "What we wanted was a sit-down restaurant here, the Village wanted a sit-down restaurant, also.

"We wanted something that fit."

Bermudez pitched his business hard; Jurgens visited his El Cancun location in Dwight. He also operates 5 de Mayo, in Streator.

"He said to me he would out-do any cook," Jurgens said, "and I believe him after I tasted it."

Jurgens saw in Bermudez, a minority small business owner, a drive unlike that of many others'. Bermudez and wife Fabiola have managed their businesses together, and will do the same with the New Lenox location. Bermudez and son Eric co-own the New Lenox business.

Mayor Tim Baldermann was excited to see a dine-in restaurant take over the space, after it stood vacant for years.

"It's been for sale forever," Baldermann said. "We’re excited about seeing El Sombrero come in."

Bermudez worked diligently to provide Jurgens with all he needed to convince him and the family that he had what it took to make such a big business move. He zeroed in on financing through Old National Bank, and was one of its first clients to take advantage of the Empowerment Small Business Loan Program, which offers financing to women- and minority-owned businesses. The program opens eligibility to businesses with revenue less than $25 million. Loans generated through the program, which create access to capital to help expand entrepreneurial dreams, are not as dependent on consumer credit scores as most traditional credit models. In its first full year, the Empowerment Small Business Loan Program generated nearly $30 million in loans in service of 72 clients.

Bermudez, who began his career in the service industry in 1998, is grateful for a chance to continue chasing his dream and provide for his family. His passion for entrepreneurship is matched only by that for cooking.

"It’s just what I do," he said, of cooking. "I’ve done it for many years."

He enjoys trying new things, experimenting in the kitchen.

"I like when people enjoy the food, when they like what I do," he said. "...When I make up things, and it works."

The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and more. Prices vary; a three-taco meal is priced at $12.25, fajitas are $15.25. A pick-two dinner combination is $11.25. A traditional burrito is $12.99. They focus on keeping prices family-friendly, also offering kids' meals and lunch specials.

Margaritas range in size and prize, with a 20-ounce priced at $11.99, A 16-ounce lime margarita is $6.99. Other flavors available include sangria, raspberry, hurricane, blue Hawaiian, strawberry, peach, and mango.

Bermudez has added personal touches, like adult- and child-sized sombreros, and plans to send young customers home with one. He took great care and pride in the demolition and refurbishing of the interior. The space is splashed with vibrant colors; the tables are chairs are hand-painted and imported from Mexico.

"I knew it was going to be a lot of work—not THAT much, but a lot of work," Bermudez said, of the daunting task he faced inside the building that had stood vacant for six years.

Jurgens said he's been impressed as the final pieces have fallen into place, but he's not surprised at how Bermudez has embraced the opportunity. He had shown Jurgens how badly he wanted it.

"His determination," Jurgens said, of what convinced him Bermudez was the right choice, "his willingness to scratch and scratch and scratch to get the finances together and work with the lender.

"He said he could make it well here. He was willing to listen, pay attention to the research, understand it, see how it could impact his business. Also, he was willing to work with the Village."

The Village, he said, has been very supportive of the venture as it comes into focus.

The sale closed on the building Dec. 28, 2023, and now months later, they're now able to zero in on an opening date: Memorial Day.

Hours will be Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Jurgens is confident New Lenox will love El Sombrero.

"I am very proud of the ownership that decided on the right thing for New Lenox," he said, of the previous owners and their decision.

Bermudez is eager to get started.

"I feel ready," he said. "Ready to start cooking."

El Sombrero Mexican Cuisine is located at 338 W. Maple, in New Lenox. Opening date is tentatively set for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. A website is currently in progress.