Community

On October 4, 2013, Mi Pueblito in Rutherfordton served its last customer in the building that previously housed Jack Corner Restaurant at the corner of South Washington and Maple Streets. On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Mi Pueblito will open the doors of a brand new building and a brand new image with a ribbon cutting service beginning at 10:00 am.  

Mi Pueblito, translates to “My Little Town.” For over 18 years, Mi Pueblito has been growing and thriving, expanding its outreach to 5 restaurants: Rutherfordton, which is the original, Forest City, Marion, Shelby and Kings Mountain, North Carolina. These 5 locations represent our Little Town. Owners, Cindy Cope and husband, Rodrigo Chavez believe the time is right to metamorphosis in order to improve customers dining experience and strengthen our brand. 

Native of Rutherford County and RS Central graduate, Cindy Cope continues to grow and flourish with her husband of almost 20 years, Rodrigo Chavez. Rodrigo’s family is from a similarly strong, close-knit town, Morelia, in Mexico. The people there are supportive and work hard together just as we do here in Rutherford County. The town is known as “The Land of the Monarch Butterflies” and around the new Rutherfordton location are tributes to this strength in the form of butterfly symbolism. Just as the Monarch transforms from a simple caterpillar to a beautiful, colorful, flying butterfly, Rutherford County and Mi Pueblito are both undergoing a wonderful transformation. 

“We have been blessed to have such a wonderful community to support us; and we hope it will be our legacy to give back to that community which helped us to achieve our dreams in Mi Pueblito,”commented owner, Cindy Cope. “We have always shared a love of family, great food and a sense of service to the good people of our small community.”

It is the couple’s goal to constantly improve their community and the new Mi Pueblito will accomplish this with green building practices and business operations. Many of the materials used in the new construction were recycled, up-cycled, hand-made, highly-efficient, and eco-friendly. The authentic Mexican food is fresh and healthy; the owners are conscientious of things like preservatives, over processed foods, and prefer fresh or whole ingredients to be used in their kitchen. 

I have been fortunate enough to not only have a business relationship but a friendship with Cindy and Rodrigo since 2000.  It has been exciting to be a part of the New Mi Pueblito Restaurant here in Rutherfordton. I’m happy for them for and what it means to the community. I wish them many more years of success,” stated Scott Greene, of Greene Building Corporation. 

The transformation of the Mi Pueblito brand began at the Forest City, NC location with hand-crafted tiles and lighting from Mexico, a saucier color scheme, redesigned entrance, new menu, and new décor to create a more authentic Mexican atmosphere. The new Rutherfordton Mi Pueblito building will expand on this redesign while also adding more than 100 seats with family style booths, a full-service bar, covered patio, and a room devoted to large parties. The Rutherfordton location will also have smart TVs throughout the dining areas available for groups such as corporate gatherings, group meetings, wedding rehearsals or simply Sunday football games with friends. 

The exterior is designed to resemble modern Mexican architecture with exposed wooden beams, terracotta roof, southwestern stone mixes, and other natural touches. Added perks on the exterior are an expanded and redesigned parking lot for better traffic flow and increased safety, an all new outdoor patio area for patrons to enjoy, and a more easily accessible entry way into the restaurant. 

The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10:00 am at 139 S Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  The restaurant will be offering full menu and open to the public following the ceremony.

Mi Pueblito Rutherfordton will be serving customers Monday – Saturday, from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.  

For more information, visit www.MiPubs.com