SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — SUMMERSIDE – Summerside-based Perry Group of restaurants is expanding once again, so say ‘hola’ to The Crazy Gringo.
Mike Perry (Sr.), president of the Perry Group, gave the Journal Pioneer an early look at the company’s newest restaurant, located at 221 Water St. The location is the former home of Open Eats, which closed this summer.
Perry said the company was on the lookout for its next venture and, after doing some research locally, decided a Mexican-themed cantina specializing in tacos and tequila was the way to go.
“We were asking around and people thought this would be a great idea,” he said.
Perry said they were aiming for a trial open on Friday, Dec. 13, but were otherwise looking to be open for regular business hours Saturday and Sunday. The venture will employ 15 people at startup.
Perry said they are looking to create a relaxed atmosphere at The Crazy Gringo and have it be a place people in the downtown can pop in for a quick lunch, hang-out with some tequila and nachos when the occasion calls for it, or grab some late-night tacos on Friday and Saturday.
Lydia Potter, executive director of Downtown Summerside Inc., welcomed the new eating establishment to the community.
“We’ve been seeing an emerging food culture here with a number of other establishments opening over the last year and the community is showing their support of these restaurants,” said Potter.
“Of course it’s great for downtown but it’s also great for Summerside to have the opportunity to enjoy new dishes or ones they’ve experienced elsewhere but haven’t been able to try here at home.”
This venture marks the fifth restaurant the Perry Group has opened in Prince County in less than two years, four of which are in Summerside.
Perry said they continue to invest in Summerside because they see potential in the city.
“Downtown Summerside is more than just Water Street, it’s a community and we believe in it. We saw this as an opportunity,” he said.
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