LOCAL FATHER-SON TEAM OPENS MI MARGARITA ON BOWLING GREEN SQUARE

BOWLING GREEN, MISSOURI — A long-vacant building on the Bowling Green Square is coming back to life this week as local owners Juan Leon and his father, Guillermo Leon, officially open Mi Margarita.

The restaurant occupies a space that has sat empty for more than 30 years, formerly home to the Ben Franklin variety store — once a familiar fixture in downtown Bowling Green.

Juan Leon, a Bowling Green native and graduate of Bowling Green High School, says opening a restaurant in his hometown has always been a dream.

“I was born and raised here in Bowling Green,” Leon said. “My father always taught me to chase my dreams, and this has always been a dream for both of us.”

Many in the community may already recognize the Leon family from their years working at another local Mexican restaurant. With decades of combined experience in the restaurant industry, the father-and-son team decided the time was right to open a place of their own.

Leon says the goal is simple: serve fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine and create a welcoming atmosphere for the community that raised him.

“We’re proud to be able to serve Pike County, Missouri,” Leon said. “We want people to come enjoy great, fresh food and feel at home here.”

After months of preparation, Mi Margarita will officially open its doors Friday the 20th. Owners say the restaurant was built around family, passion, and the vision of creating a place where everyone feels welcome — whether they’re lifelong Bowling Green residents or visitors from outside the area.

Hours will be:Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Leon family says they are grateful for the support already shown by the community and look forward to welcoming guests into a revitalized space on the Square.

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