Maize Mexican Grill, a beloved fixture in Champaign’s culinary scene, is preparing to close its original restaurant location situated at the northwest corner of First and Green Streets in early June. This closure marks the end of an era for the pioneering establishment of one of Champaign’s most cherished and expanding food chains, known for its authentic Mexican flavors and dishes like the renowned maize mexican grill.
Opening its doors in October 2011, Maize Mexican Grill quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, it has blossomed from a single location into a thriving mini-empire, adding a popular food truck, a downtown Champaign restaurant, and, most recently in 2023, a spot within the bustling Illini Union food court. Maize’s dedication to quality and taste has not gone unnoticed, earning them numerous local accolades, including the prestigious Best of CU award for Best Mexican Restaurant this year. This recognition underscores their commitment to serving exceptional maize mexican grill style food.
While specific details about the upcoming building projects remain under wraps, it’s confirmed that the original Maize location will be demolished, with no plans for rebuilding on the site. This news signals a significant change for the corner of First and Green Streets and for fans of the original maize mexican grill experience.
Armando Sandoval, the owner of Maize Mexican Grill, revealed that he was informed about the property owners’ demolition plans two years prior. He expressed that the possibility of demolition had been a looming prospect ever since the restaurant’s inception in 2011. This awareness allowed him to strategically plan for the future of his business and employees.
“Since I opened, the first comment that somebody made sort of mentioned that (it) was the place where businesses came to die, and they were gonna tear it down,” Sandoval shared. “Every year that I renewed my lease, I was scared that they were gonna tear it down. But I survived there, and it’s gonna be 13 years in June.” This resilience and adaptability are key to the success of maize mexican grill.
The demolition was initially slated for January, a factor that influenced the decision to expand into the Illini Union. However, the timeline shifted, pushing the demolition to June, allowing the original location to operate longer than initially anticipated. This extension provided more time for patrons to enjoy their favorite maize mexican grill dishes at the founding location.
“It was around the time that we made the decision to go into the Union,” Sandoval explained. “I figured that they were gonna tear it down pretty quickly, so I wanted to look for another spot to have my employees still working … I thought it was gonna be happening in January but then they pushed it to June, so we ended up staying a little bit longer than we expected.”
News of the impending closure has resonated deeply within the community, particularly among those who cherish the Green Street Maize location. Regulars and newcomers alike have expressed sadness at the loss of this particular spot.
“A lot of families that are in town literally come and say that they’re sad that it’s closing,” noted Yoanna Hernandez, a cashier at Maize on Green and a senior at LAS. This sentiment highlights the strong community connection fostered by maize mexican grill.
Hernandez mentioned that many customers express a distinct preference for the Green Street location over Maize’s other establishments, attributing it to a unique, welcoming ambiance. This preference speaks to the special atmosphere cultivated at the original maize mexican grill.
“We don’t know why, but a lot of people say that the food here is better than the one at the station or at the Union,” Hernandez said. “It’s all from the same warehouse, which is kind of funny, but since this place is more small, you just feel closer to the customer.” This intimate setting has clearly contributed to the popularity of this maize mexican grill location.
For Hernandez, a graduating senior, the closure coincides with a natural life transition. She fondly recalls her time at Maize, emphasizing the positive work environment and the opportunity it provided to connect with her Hispanic heritage. Working at maize mexican grill offered more than just a job; it was a cultural touchpoint.
“I’m bilingual, I speak English and Spanish,” Hernandez shared. “Sometimes Hispanics come that are only Spanish speaking, and it just connects me to my culture, because back home I solely speak Spanish, while here, I really don’t speak as much.” This cultural bridge is a significant aspect of maize mexican grill’s appeal.
Looking back on 13 years of Maize, Sandoval expressed profound gratitude for the restaurant’s growth and its broader impact on the Mexican food landscape in Champaign-Urbana. He believes Maize played a role in evolving local Mexican cuisine. Maize mexican grill has indeed left a lasting mark.
“I sort of feel that I brought something different to the community, just because (of) the way that Mexican restaurants were before I came in, and now the few changes that has happened, you know like I was the first one to come in and bring handmade tortillas and sort of take it away from Tex-Mex,” Sandoval reflected. This innovation and commitment to authentic flavors are hallmarks of maize mexican grill.
Sandoval is planning a celebratory party this spring to commemorate the original restaurant’s journey, marking both its beginning and end. This event will be a fitting tribute to the legacy of maize mexican grill.
“We plan to be here until the end of graduation and things like that, so I want to make a big old party, just to celebrate the start and ending of my little spot,” Sandoval said. “(Maize) was my first business, and I’m very thankful to the student community and to the CU community.” This gratitude underscores the deep connection between maize mexican grill and the Champaign-Urbana community.
