Family Fresh Mex brings authentic Mexican flair to Columbia’s downtown district
As customers drool over homemade queso and flour burritos stuffed with steak, Family Fresh Mex owner Jesus Ramirez watches with a smile.
But the service isn’t done yet, as Ramirez personally visits every customer and hands out mints.
Family Fresh Mex is one of the many ethnic restaurants that’s recently opened in the Midlands — and it all started in 2013 with a humble food truck at Soda City, a growing trend in the restaurant business.
Ramirez and his wife used to own a restaurant in Mexico. After owning a food truck in the U.S. for eight years, the couple was approached with an offer to open up a brick-and-mortar location in Columbia, right off of Main Street.
The restaurant is currently located on Gervais Street, across from the S.C. State House and in the same building as The Whig.
But, soon, Ramirez will move the family restaurant and expand into the old Persona Pizza property right next door.
“They say its going to be a better over here. It really is a new company. You can see a lot of construction,” Ramirez said, motioning to the construction workers right outside the restaurant. “They say its going to be better for us. Let’s see.”
With family on the mind, Ramirez said he makes an intentional effort to keep prices as low as he can, though he acknowledged that the fluctuating gas prices have affected a large part of his restaurant’s prices.
Family Fresh Mex’s main competing mark is the show of family the couple brings to their business.
“Whenever we serve it to you, it’s something we can eat. We eat it because she likes it,” Ramirez laughed, pointing at his wife. “We tried to (convince) everyone to come together and feel like a family.”
The effort has been well-received by the Columbia community. The restaurant’s popularity has spread through word of mouth, and many of the restaurant’s guests are returning customers.
“We come here at least once a week, if not more,” said one customer.
Matt Kennell, president and CEO of the Main Street District, said one of the main motivations for the Soda City market is so that food stands get enough traction to permanently establish themselves in the community.
“It’s just been kinda fun to watch,” Kennell said. “And we seem to keep getting more and more of them, so it’s been a very good thing.”
In addition to Family Fresh Mex, boutique Uptown on Main and restaurants like Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits, The Strudel Shop and City Market began as portable vendors.
Kennell is excited about the multitude of ethnic restaurants opening in Columbia.
Taco Grande recently opened its doors on Hampton Street. A Hibachi-style restaurant opened on the 1600 block of Main Street, and the city has announced a Korean restaurant on the 1300 block of Main Street, according to Kennell.
“The University of South Carolina, all of the medical facilities we have a town, Fort Jackson bring in a very diverse client base,” Kennell said. “These ethnic restaurants just add to that mix. It celebrates the diversity of Columbia.”
Like others, Kennell loves the food and atmosphere at Family Fresh Mex, describing the restaurant as an “anti-chain.”
“The folks were super friendly. It’s very local and very fresh,” Kennel said. “You felt like family when you went there.”
This story was originally published July 25, 2022 at 1:40 PM.
