RAPID CITY, SD — Downtown may have lost Que Pasa, but the heart of Mexican cuisine is alive and well in Ma Cualli, a south Rapid favorite whose expansion has been long-anticipated and is now set to open its doors this Thursday.
A day before opening however, the restaurant was already buzzing with activity and excitement as employees worked on meal prep and contractors work against the clock to make the finishing touches that will make the whole thing come together. Mario Solorio, owner of Ma Cualli is first to meet us and gives a firm handshake before taking us to Bo Chavez, a Texan and now-manager of the location. Chavez is dressed in a wide grin and the work clothes of a man moving heaven and earth to pull everything together in time for tomorrow afternoon.
In the intervening months renovators have completely overhauled the location “Everything in here is brand new,” said Chavez. Indeed the darker modern aesthetic which is one of the hallmarks of the original has been maintained in full with new twists reflecting the new locale. Hardwood decorates nearly every wall and table, with custom-made booths and raw-edge shelving, and a central facade above the kitchen paneled in genuine Brazilian Ash.
However, people don’t go to a restaurant just for the ambiance. And according to Mario, patrons of the establishment should expect what they would get in south Rapid and more. The location will feature a bar, kitchen, the same menu, and the same tableside guacamole prep – however an exciting addition expected likely within a few months of opening (assuming permitting goes smoothly) is a rooftop Taqueria featuring its own kitchen where passerbys can see chefs prepare fresh al pastor and carnitas.
All Photos Via Scout Wheeler
Chavez says he is both nervous and excited about the opening, saying “I’m a little scared but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” and that he is excited to be able to get out of the construction workwear and into something a bit nicer for tomorrow. “I’m so excited, super excited.” says Solorio, “I’m nervous, but being nervous is normal because I want to do good for the city. I want to do good for the whole of the people that live here,” saying that he’s felt warmly welcomed by Rapid City, and is happy to hopefully lessen wait times with a second location, followed by a third in 2-3 years. Solorio credits the success of Ma Cualli to the community, his abiding faith, and the understanding built within his team. “When people start the day, we say, ‘hey, if you have a big problem like personal problems, let us know and we’ll work with you’,” said Solorio, “We’re going to find a way if you want to be working, and if not just let us know, and we’ll give you a break”.
Ma Cualli is set to open from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on April 23rd.
