Walpole Small Business Q&A: Jalapenos Grill

This week we check in with Ricardo Dorronsorro, owner of Jalapenos Grill. Tabbed as a Diners' Choice 2012 winner by OpenTable.com, Jalapenos Grill certainly lives up to its spicy name. The Main Street eatery specializes in authentic Mexican fare. Menu items include homemade salsa, tacos, enchiladas, tamales and churros, among many other Mexican dishes. It also has a great selection of tequilas and margaritas.

Be sure to check back each week for a Question and Answer session with another local business owner.

Walpole Patch: What is one thing people might not know about Jalapenos?

Ricardo Dorronsorro: That we started in the corner with 5 tables, 15 seats and we've moved to 150 seats and keep changing the look of the place.

WP: How has the economy affected you in the past year?

RD: Like everyone it wasn't easy. We had to make some changes but I have a great staff that works with me and we make sure we're not going to let people go.

WP: What is your busiest time of day and day of the week?

RD: I will say 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday.

WP: What is your most popular item from the menu?

RD: There is a few Fajitas, Enchiladas & Burritos.

WP: What do you feel is a benefit about being a small business in Walpole? 

RD: Well I live in the community too and I got to know a lot of wonderful people in this community. You can see the kids going from children to adults which is wonderful.

More from Ricardo:

I came to the US in the late 80's and I had always worked in restaurants back in Cancun. Me and my wife (she is American from Jamaica Plain) we were always looking for good Mexican restaurants and I was very disappointed that all I found was TEX MEX which is not what I was looking for.

I started cooking for friends and family and they were very happy with the real Mexican food. 

I always wanted to have my own restaurant but the idea was with people going down to Mexico more often, I wanted to make sure that whatever they have in my restaurant they can go to Mexico and ask for the same dishes. And now I have people going down to the tourist areas of Mexico and coming back telling me that my food is better.

That is why I'm in this business, I love to watch at my costumers and see their faces enjoying the food. That is the best reward.

They love the idea too that I make my own sour mix for margaritas.

We are expanding with a new location coming soon in North Attleboro.