“Tequila Town” Restaurant Name Sparks Controversy within Esko Community

ESKO, Minn.– A new Mexican restaurant in Esko is being forced to change the name of its business because the town board says it violates liquor license laws.

“Tequila Town Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Bar” opened last month across the street from Esko Schools.

The owner told FOX 21 the name of the business was inspired by his hometown “Tequila, Mexico.”

It’s the same name as his two other restaurants in Minnesota in Crystal and St. Cloud.

But the town board supervisor said signage near schools cannot legally involve alcohol or the word “bar.”

In a statement posted to an Esko community Facebook page Nathan Barta the Town Board Supervisor wrote in part,

“My heart tells me that it is not ok to have a sign referencing hard liquor facing elementary classrooms; it just isn’t. I understand the geography argument, but nobody thinks of the town when they hear “tequila”, they think of the liquor.”

Meanwhile, “Tequila Town” owner Rafael Mata said he doesn’t want any trouble, and he will comply with a new name.

“It’s my fault. No, it’s not the fault for the county or nothing. It’s my fault for [not] asking is it okay for putting the Tequila Town It’s no, the name is [not] “Tequila Town” town for drinks. It is “Tequila Town” for the town of Mexico,” said Rafael Marta, the owner of Tequila Town.

Mata is in the process of getting a wine and beer license, which is available under the law.

He won’t be able to sell tequila, though, like he does at the other two locations.

As for the new name there’s a working title of possibly becoming “T-Town.”