SURPRISE: ‘New & Improved’ Mexican Kitchen Prepares To Open in New Paltz

On the one-year anniversary of the day that New Paltz lost one of its signature Mexican restaurants to a terrible fire, the owners of Mexican Kitchen shocked the community with the announcement that they would be returning 'this fall.'

Last we heard, upon the completion of the rebuild of the former Mexican Kitchen location on North Front Street in New Paltz, a new restaurant called Petite Maison was to open, however, seems like there's a new plan in place.

September 2022 Fire Destroys Mexican Kitchen Restaurant, New Paltz

On September 29, 2022, the New Paltz and surrounding communities awoke to the news of a blaze at 17 North Front Street (technically 15 1/2 North Front Street), home to Mexican Kitchen.

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The building was a complete loss and was demolished shortly after the devastating fire.

Following the early morning incident, the owners shared the following message:

Our business suffered a total loss today due to a electrical fire which we believe started in attic. Thankfully, everyone was okay and the building was unoccupied at the time. We are unsure of what is next for the future of Mexican Kitchen. Thank you to the New Paltz Fire, Police and Public Works Departments. As well as the mutual aid fire and end departments. We thank all of you for your thoughts, concerns and prayers. Thank you for your support of the Mexican Kitchen brand over the last 7 years.

Those missing their 'Mexican Kitchen fix' were soon able to get their hands on some of their favorite menu items when the chef from Mexican Kitchen worked with the Smash Shack in New Paltz to integrate 'Cocina Mexicana' into the existing business via a ghost kitchen.

READ MORE: Early Morning Fire Destroys New Paltz Mexican Kitchen Restaurant

Out Of The Ashes: New Construction & New Concept

Back in March, just six months following the fire, building plans were approved and shared via Facebook for the rebuild of 15-1/2 North Front Street, with an exciting new addition to the second floor that included expanded dining space. New Paltz locals and customers of Mexican Kitchen alike shared their excitement following the news, and the owners shared all the work that went into the planning with the Historic Preservation/Design Review Board to ensure that the new construction 'fit appropriately within the village.'

Following this announcement, word came that once reopened, Mexican Kitchen would instead be home to Petite Maison, a French-inspired restaurant.

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One Year Later, Mexican Kitchen Announces Comeback

According to Mexican Kitchen's owners, 'popular demand and request' has resulted in the return of the beloved Mexican Kitchen this fall, as they aim to reopen in November.

We are excited to announce that Mexican Kitchen will be returning to its former home very soon. Don’t fret Petite Maison will have its place someday but by popular demand and request a New and Improved Mexican Kitchen will return this fall! Thank you all for your continued support! We love you all!

While the overwhelming response to the news was excitement and praise for the return of Mexican Kitchen, there were a few comments on the Facebook announcement indicating that they were excited about the new restaurant concept, and it appears that Petite Maison will eventually have a home for itself, but for now, our focus is on the countdown to Mexican Kitchen's new and improved grand opening.