Cozumel opens in former Memories

by Laura Straub

After approximately a year of construction, Cozumel’s newest location opened on Oct. 8 in the former Memories restaurant in Richfield.

According to Martin Soto, principal of the local chain of Mexican restaurants, he and his team purchased Memories and ran it for a year with its original name and menu, which consisted of mainly traditional American fare and a small assortment of burritos and tacos.

Memories was a logical purchase for Soto, who was looking to branch out into a restaurant featuring a different cuisine but was near Cozumel’s first location in Broadview Heights.

Although Soto was interested in running a different style of restaurant, after a year at Memories he decided to focus on what he does best, Mexican food.

“We decided this is what we know, where we are best,” said Soto.

So the restaurant closed and remodeling began. According to Soto, that included renovating the patio, installing a new bar and giving everything inside a fresh coat of paint.

The Memories menu also received an update. In place of American style dishes, it now features the same Mexican favorites popular at the other four Cozumel locations. None of the dishes from Memories remain.

After a week operating as Cozumel, Soto said he has gotten positive feedback from his customers.

“We’re happy with the response of the people,” said Soto. “We are happy with the community and the welcome we’ve received.”

 

Featured image photo caption: Martin Soto (left), one of the owners, and Ramon Aguirre, one of the managers have re-opened the former Memories restaurant as Cozumel, Mexican Restaurant.