By Sarah Espiritu
The Matador Cantina in Downtown Fullerton celebrated the official opening of its Agave Room and outdoor patio dining with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Guests of the celebration were treated to live Latin music, complimentary beverages such as house-made sangrias and frozen margaritas, and samples of ahi tuna tostadas and ham and jalapeño rolls.
Members of the City Council, State Senate and Chamber of Commerce made an appearance to present certificates of recognition to owners, Mario Marovic and Rob Hallstrom as well as General Manager and Executive Chef David Dennis.
“It’s always great to see local businesses expand,” said City Council Member Bruce Whitaker, and added that when they do, they can “better serve residents in Fullerton.”
Initially, the restaurant wanted to open it’s doors back in 2009 already featuring an outdoor patio and banquet room, but were unable to do so at the time, so plans had been pushed back and the restaurant opening with limited seating and a bar.
“It’s been something we’ve wanted for so long,” said Chef Dennis. “Now we have the ability to service more people.”
On busy nights, the restaurant can average an hour-long wait for seating, but customers stick around because of the “extraordinary ambiance superior guest service,” as boasted by the Matador’s website, that they expect to receive.
Assistant General Manager and Event Coordinator Allicia Samuel, who will now also take care of the banquet room requests, said that this opening was “a long time coming.”After years of planning, the Matador Cantina was set to open the patio and banquet room by August 2015, but more setbacks happened that caused further delay until finally they were able to officially open now.
“We’re really happy. It was always a dream and now it’s a reality,” said Samuel.
The Agave Room can hold a private party for up to 85 guests and the menus can be specially made to cater to the occasion. It features it’s own full-service bar and kitchen as well to accommodate for the busier seasons.
Patio dining is also available for private events for up to 35 people.
“Outside kind of feels like a vacation spot. It has that outdoor bar, you know like when you go on vacation and I think everybody just kind of loses themselves in the moment and just [has] a good time,” said Chef Dennis.
With the two new expansions, The Matador Cantina can seat over 100 guests to help with the increased demand over the past couple of years. The additional kitchen and extra bars will also help create a greater experience for foodies and bar-hoppers alike.
The Matador Cantina is located at: 111 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton. For more information, all: (714) 871-8226.