Modesto Tacos Tequila Whiskey will soon expand into the Walk-On's test kitchen next door, a move that will nearly double the restaurant's size — from 2,600 square feet to 4,000 square feet. The additional space will give the Mexican restaurant more opportunity to accommodate private events.
Owner Ozzie Fernandez said the decision was a "no-brainer" after the space became available at the beginning of the month. Fernandez says the plan is to open the area in late summer before football season kicks off. Fernandez is partnering with Anne McCanless, owner of Texture, a local interior design firm, for the expansion.
Modesto opened in 2020.
"The community has been great," Fernandez said. "They really supported us. We opened in a very difficult time right in the middle of COVID, but I've always been very bullish on the LSU area."
Modesto is one of four restaurants in Fernandez's Go Eat Concepts, which also includes Lit Pizza, Izzo’s Illegal Burritos and Rocca Pizzeria.
After several inquiries from LSU and various companies for private events, Fernandez said he decided it was time to make more room for additional seating.
Modesto, 3930 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, has a seasonal frozen drink on the menu: the El Huracán is made with white rum, gold rum, fassionola and lime juice.
"My vision for this space is to do a mezcaleria, which is kind of like an upscale tequila bar," he said.
The restaurant recently added high-end tequila flights to the menu. While there are no plans for specific new menu items, Modesto continues to add specials like flounder ceviche and aguamiel avocado margaritas.
Fernandez added that he the restaurant will remain open during construction, as work will be isolated in the new space.