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Couple Open Mexican Restaurant In Trinity

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: October 1, 2008

TRINITY - The economy hasn't exactly been too kind to restaurants of late as people eat out less often.

Nonetheless, the husband-and-wife owners of Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant, Jose H. and Karla Salazar Jr., believed so strongly in the brand they opened the Trinity-area diner several months ago at 8526 Old C.R. 54.

It's the only independent restaurant in the area with authentic Mexican food and surroundings. The waitresses wear long, flowing Mexican-style dresses and garb. Even the ashtray outside is shaped like a cactus.

Pinellas residents are very familiar with Carmelita's, which opened its first location in 1983 under founders Vincent and Carmen Lopez and expanded to four Pinellas locations. Jose had been working at one of the Pinellas restaurants, but he figured southwestern Pasco County would be a natural place for the fifth location.

The chain prides itself on a "family-friendly atmosphere," as the Web site, www.carmelitas.net, explains.

The Salazars uphold the tradition. They work alongside the staff of about a dozen and a half workers.

Jose comes through the front door lugging a heavy container of a fresh batch of tortillas. Karla often greets guests or writes the daily lunch and dinner specials on the outdoor sign.

The restaurant features birthday specials and "Kids Eat Free Mondays."

"It's a challenging time, but if you believe in your product, you'll do fine," Jose said.

Everything is made from scratch, he said about the extensive lunch and dinner menus.

He is very quality conscious, arranging for three to four deliveries per week of many ingredients. Jose picked up a shipment of tortillas himself.

He and Karla bring out a sample of combination platter 34, the Durango special. It includes a homemade tamale, cheese with ground beef, enchilada and a beef taco.

All-you-can-eat Taco Tuesdays is sure to attract diners, too.

Other customer favorites include chicken enchiladas and the Del Rey burrito, as the Web site explains. "Our celebrated chips and salsa leave you wanting more. To wash it all down, try our tasty homemade Sangria." Several beers and margaritas are served as well.

More than 40 choices in all appear on the menus, which are posted on the Web site. The food has garnered many awards the past quarter century.

Open seven days a week, the restaurant here can seat up to about 130 people. With temperatures moderating this fall, some people prefer the outdoor, cafe-style dining on the shaded sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

More information is available online or by calling 727-376-4800.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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