Business Profile
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
A Piece of Mexico in Newtown Square: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo All Year Long! by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Think you have to wait for National Guacamole Day, Taco Tuesday or even Cinco de Mayo to celebrate and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine? Think again! At Rey Azteca, every day — especially in May — is a reason to celebrate!
Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Owners Alan Lamarca and Jenny Palacios Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography, www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Yes folks, there is a “piece of Mexico” right here in Newtown Square. Tucked away in the Edgmont shopping center is Rey Azteca, serving up authentic Mexican food made with high-quality ingredients. Since opening its doors in January 2020, patrons have been raving about their mouth-watering variety of delicious food served in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Their lunch and dinner menus are endless. And their margaritas are, quite simply, Perfecta!
opportunity to grow with an active, bustling community. “Even though Alan and I are the co-Owners of Rey Azteca,” Jenny said, “it is and will always be a family effort.” Their families are always helping them change up the menu, to add even more delectable dishes or to modify their guacamole and make it “just right.” And Jenny’s father and uncle came up with the name Rey Azteca. Rey means ‘King’ so why not be the King of the Aztecs and, well, of food.
Rey Azteca’s co-Owner Jenny Palacios grew up in the restaurant industry. She worked in her family’s multiple restaurants, at the cash register, as a Server and as a Hostess, but mostly learning the restaurant business from her father. Jenny fell in love with it but wasn’t sold on the idea of making it a career until she met and married Alan Lamarca, who shared her enjoyment of the restaurant scene. Jenny and Alan decided to team up and start their own restaurant.
Opening a restaurant just months before a global pandemic is not something any business owner anticipates, but Jenny and Alan are incredibly grateful for their fan-base of loyal customers. Jenny said, “We appreciate all the incredible support over this past year! By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Customers showed up to financially support Rey Azteca, and many also used social media to leave rave reviews and offer recommendations on what to order. Their success and ability to shift their operations to take-out during the pandemic allowed them to explore and expand to their fourth location, West Goshen. It will be right down West Chester Pike, and will primarily offer quick take-out menu items. There will be a few tables in the restaurant, and though that “piece of Mexico” will not serve alcohol, it will serve the same fresh, authentic Mexican meals.
The Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Team Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography, www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Rey Azteca Newtown Square is the third of its kind that Jenny and Alan have recently opened in PA. They chose Newtown Square because it has few Mexican restaurants and they saw an 16
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
May 2021
Rey Azteca’s extensive menu offers everything that’s delicious and beautiful about Mexican cuisine: a variety of flavors, colors, spices, and fresh ingredients. From sizzling skillet fajitas and burritos to tacos and salads, there’s something for everyone, even a vegetarian selection. One of their most popular dishes, Tacos de Pastor, features three tortillas filled with marinated pork and pineapple and topped with fresh cilantro and onions. This dish wouldn’t be complete without a side of refried beans and Spanish rice. But be sure to save room for Churros drizzled with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a cherry!
