New Gambier Restaurant to Open Fall 2018

Beginning in the Fall of 2018, a new fast casual restaurant and bar will occupy one of the new dining and retail spaces being developed in the Village of Gambier. José Avalos, owner of the two Fiesta Mexicana restaurants in nearby Mount Vernon, is partnering with Kenyon to bring Chilitos Fresh Mex and Margaritas to Gambier.

"I’m excited to have another seasoned restaurant operator coming to town,” said Chief Business Officer Mark Kohlman. “Mr. Avalos fully understands the need for a space that can serve the needs of all community members.”

Chilitos will serve a variety of Mexican dishes along with some American classics, and a full bar will feature the signature margaritas currently available at Fiesta Mexicana’s Mount Vernon locations, which have long been a favorite destination for the Kenyon community.

Following the return of the temporarily relocated Kenyon Bookstore to its permanent, newly renovated home in the southern part of Farr Hall, the northern part of Farr will be demolished and replaced by several smaller, mixed-use buildings, offering retail and restaurant space with student residences above. The new Mexican restaurant will be located on the ground floor of the middle building, facing the former location of the Gambier Grill. That establishment, popularly known as the Cove, closed in early 2016.

Chilitos will have seating for approximately 35 people in the dining area and up to 25 in the bar area, plus outdoor seating during good weather.

Additionally, the Gambier Deli, which will not operate during the upcoming academic year due to construction, will also return to downtown Gambier in Fall 2018.