Joe's Mexicana Grill: Austell's Newest Restaurant Ready to Roll

Joe’s Mexicana Grill opened their doors for business on March 23 in the previous location of Moe’s Southwest Grill at 1025 East-West Connector in Austell. Based on a similar concept to Moe’s, Joe’s offers a quick-serve ordering line where customers choose their desired meat and toppings and have the option to dine-in or take away. That, however, is where the similarities end.

This family-oriented restaurant makes a point of selling locally purchased quality meats and vegetables, taking great pride in their beef selection which is 100 percent organic sirloin.

When owner-operator Enrique Garcia first saw the vacant restaurant for lease, he decided to create his own version of a quick serve Mexican grill and set out to open his own shop. Garcia was no stranger to the restaurant business however, having already owned and operated another Mexican restaurant in 1999 until he sold it in 2006.  

In 1998, this enterprising entrepreneur had also established the first of what would become a chain of his own bakeries called “” which currently has six locations in and around metro Atlanta and the Marietta area. Sourced from these bakeries, Joe’s Mexicana Grill offers a daily selection of made fresh decadent desserts sure to tempt any one's taste buds.

Garcia has accomplished many things since moving from his uncle’s home in Texas to Atlanta at the age of seventeen.

“My uncle Joe was actually the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. He was the reason I came to the U.S. from Mexico at fourteen and he was very good to me during the time I lived with him. I wanted to honor him by naming the restaurant after him,” Garcia said.

After selling his first restaurant “Taco Mas” in 2006, Garcia decided to follow his main goal in life and become a member of the Atlanta Police Department where he served until he decided to open Joe’s. Additionally during this time, Garcia attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Atlanta where he received his degree in 2008.

“I created my own style of seasoning that uses Spanish and Italian herbs and spices to give the food a unique and delicious flavor.”

Another unique aspect of Joe’s is their selection of vegetarian offerings which include tofu and artichokes. Both of these are marinated in fresh citrus juices and spices then grilled to give it a special texture and flavor. This is not your typical Mexican fare. Along with in-store lunch and dinner dining, Joe’s also offers full service catering for local businesses and residents.

Since opening, Garcia has actively involved the restaurant with community organizations such as the Georgia PTA. When a resident signs up to become a member of the PTA, they will receive a coupon for a free meal, and any child who earns all A’s and B’s on their report card and brings it in will receive a free kid’s meal. Joe’s also contributes to the Georgia PTA  fund-raising efforts by donating 50 cents per meal purchased by patrons showing a Joe’s ID card, with the funds being donated to the school of that customer’s choice.

This community-conscious restaurant owner is also active in providing local residents with value added opportunities to receive discounts on meal purchases. When a customer signs up online for the Joe’s Mexicana Grill membership club, she will receive a coupon for a free quesadilla along with periodic emails offering more specials and discounts. For customers without computer access, they can simply pick up a membership card in the restaurant.

Garcia’s future plans for his new restaurant include opening more locations and possibly franchising. 

Along with his numerous other accomplishments, Garcia has also been a licensed real estate agent since 1993 and offers his services for anyone needing real estate or mortgage advice.