Zocalo restaurant bound for Folsom

Since being vacant for more than a year, the site that was once home to Romano's Macaroni Grill in Folsom will soon be a hub of activity as it is prepped for its newest tenant, an upscale Mexican restaurant that is already popular in the central valley. Last week, Zocalo announced they are expanding to Folsom and are planning to make their new location at 2739 E. Bidwell Street that once housed the Denver-based pasta giant that filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October of 2017 and closed several locations. According to City of Folsom public records, Zocalo Folsom Inc. has received a business license for a full-service restaurant. Zocalo's president has confirmed the restaurant is expected to open by February of 2020. Zocalo Inc. has three other locations. The Fountains at Roseville is one of their popular locations as well as The UV and Midtown Sacramento. The menu at the restaurant offers options of traditional Mexican fare such as tacos, enchiladas, salads and margaritas. The Folsom property is 7,214 square feet, and will be bigger than other Zocalo locations, which are usually around 6,000 square feet. The Folsom site will reportedly include a patio. It's reported that the building has been purchased by Ernesto Jimenez, owner of Zocalo and is currently in escrow. While the final purchase price was not disclosed, it was previously listed for $3.5 million back in 2001. The establishment is expected to employee approximately 100 people, which is the average for other locations.