Number 6

The doors to another Casa De Oro opened earlier this month.

Bili Lepe — the owner of the Creston location — said he’s been in Chariton consistently the past two weeks helping his sister Cecilia get her Casa De Oro Mexican restaurant off the ground. He said the community in Chariton has already welcomed them with open arms and business has been steady.

“We remodeled for about four months before opening,” Lepe said, “and that made the excitement really grow in the community. People kept stopping in to ask when we were opening. So when we did open last Monday (Feb. 2), the response great. It’s been really busy.”

Tracy Campbell, associate at True Value in Chariton, has already eaten there three times in less than two weeks. Campbell likes the price of the meals.

“I can eat for $10 and that includes tip,” Campbell said.

Lepe said the Chariton location has many of the traditional Mexican dishes that can be found in Creston like enchiladas, tostados, quesadillas, burritos, tacos and fajitas.

This is the sixth Casa De Oro to open in Iowa. Other locations include Creston, Red Oak, Jefferson, Adel and Perry. Lepe opened the first Casa in Creston nine years ago. He’s since helped all four of his brothers and now one sister open their own restaurant.

“My goal is for all my brothers and sisters to own and manage their own restaurant. So, we need four more,” Lepe said.

Lepe said Casa De Oro in Creston currently employees about 12 people. Chariton’s currently has about nine employees including Cecilia and her husband Martin — who is the head cook at the restaurant.

Lepe said the Casa in Chariton — located at 123 N. Main St. — will have a grand opening sometime this month or next and all are welcome to attend.