Aiken fans of the Augusta native Diablo's Southwest Grill can now enjoy the freshly made food in the city limits.
Diablo's took the first step of their franchise dream by opening a restaurant location in the shopping center on Richland Avenue across from the Walmart Supercenter June 4.
Three years in the making, Diablo's is the creation of Carl Wallace and brothers Brandon and Brad Wall, according to the Diablo's website.
"We actually set out to be a franchise," Wallace said. "We didn't build the (Augusta) store with just one in mind. It was built with 100 stores in mind."
According to Wallace, about 300 diners are fed daily at the Aiken location.
"Downtown Aiken is a great market," said Brandon Wall, adding the area has given the restaurant a chance to expand to the Aiken followers.
Wall said the restaurant has been very well received since opening.
"The response has been amazing," said Wall.
Diablo's is famous for the fresh food made in house, and that there is no freezer in the house due to the fact that all food is made to order.
Wall said the restaurant was created with the intent to provide fresh, quality food at an affordable price.
"We prep everything in house, including our signature hot sauces and salad dressings," said Wall. "Nothing is prepackaged, and there are no freezers in our restaurant."
Wall added the revolving food specials will start at the Aiken location, as well, and is available for catering orders.
The menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadilla, salads, nachos and dip including guacamole, salsa, marinades, hot sauces and salad dressings all made in house.
The building space was re-decorated to Diablo's standards including a giant logo painted on the wall, wooden floor, wooden tables, select saddle seats and a bull's head crashing through part of the wall at the cash registers.
Diablo's is open from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is located at 3553 Richland Avenue W. Suite 108.
For more information, call 803-266-0232.
Will Whaley is the crime and court reporter for the Aiken Standard. He is a native of Fayette, Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in journalism.