It started with a coat of paint.
Leo Vargas, who manages El Charro Mexican restaurant in downtown Iola, recalled the decision to repaint the restaurant’s exterior a few weeks ago.
“Once we did that, we figured we might as well do the rest of it,” Vargas said.
El Charro has been closed since Friday for interior renovations.
The restaurant’s walls and floors are being refurbished, with new furnishings on order.
New kitchen equipment also is being installed.
It’s the first major upgrade since the restaurant opened in October 2003.
“It was time,” added Mariah Vargas, co-manager. “We figured with the upcoming holiday, this was the best time to get it done.”
The Vargases are keeping the restaurant’s 10 employees busy during the shutdown.
They’re assisting with cleaning, painting or other minor carpentry chores.
The major items — leveling the floor in the auxiliary dining area — are being handled by area carpenter Adam Stockebrand.
“We figured this was the best way for everybody to keep working even though we’re closed,” Leo Vargas said.
The Vargases plan to reopen by Sept. 11.
El Charro stops to spice up restaurant’s interior
