Maize Mexican Grill in Champaign will be extending its hours to 2:30 a.m. on Thursdays through Sundays. This change takes effect as KAM’s reopens at its new location on Green Street next to the restaurant. The restaurant hopes to have a business relationship with KAM’s in the future. 

Maize has offered a variety of authentic Mexican food since its opening in 2011. In addition to the Green Street location, Maize has a location at the train station on Chestnut Street in Champaign as well as a food truck on campus. The later closing hours represent another expansion for Maize.

“Since we opened, we didn’t realize that the community of Illini would embrace us so well,” said Maize owner Armando Sandoval. “We’ve been growing every year, and it’s definitely thanks to the support of all the students and the community.”

The restaurant’s menu includes tacos, burritos, tortas and tlacoyos along with other Mexican food. It is advertised as providing a traditional and authentic form of Mexican cuisine to Champaign-Urbana.

“I love the food here,” said Jasmine Medina, sophomore in LAS. “It’s the closest thing to back home and my family loves coming here. It’s similar to what my mom cooks. It’s the best Mexican food here. The new hours are convenient if you’re craving tacos at night.”

Another student agreed that the food provided a cultural connection. 

“The food reminds me of my culture,” said Frank Villegas, sophomore in LAS. “The cocina feels like I’m connected to my tradition.”

These students reflect Sandoval’s goal of providing a real cultural experience similar to the food he grew up with. Sandoval’s cooking was influenced by the food of Mexico City and the Mexican state of Guerrero.

“I grew up in a restauranteur family, and when I came here for school, I thought that something was missing,” said Sandoval. “All the Mexican restaurants here were too similar, so I decided to do my own thing.”

KAM’s reopened its new location across from Maize at the beginning of 2020, bringing in a new source of customers for the restaurant. Sandoval has taken advantage of this through promotions and other future collaborations with the new bar. 

“They are doing free tacos for the first 100 guests on Wednesdays, but we will continue to work together,” said Sandoval. 

Sandoval said expanding the hours was a natural part of growth for Maize. He said he had hoped to keep the restaurant open late as soon as possible without hurting quality.

“Consistency is key, especially in the restaurant business,” said Sandoval. “If you go to the food truck or any of the locations, you’re getting the same taste and the same quality. That was very important for me. Getting to interact with students and see their excitement when we’re out there is one of the reasons we keep doing what we’re doing.”

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