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A new family-owned Mexican restaurant is aiming to open at 215 W. Main St., the former home of Rehm's Electric that's sat been sitting empty since a 2022 fire.
According to city documents, Gallo Santo, operated by BYT Enterprise LLC, is planning to put an estimated $396,000 into the renovation and has been recommended for approval of a $30,000 reimbursement grant from the city to help cover code-related upgrades.
Here's what to know:
The building’s history: Rehm's Electric operated in the space for decades before a 2022 fire caused major interior and exterior damage, forcing the business to relocate. The site has been vacant since.
The grant covers specific upgrades: The city's Business Improvement Grant, if approved by City Council, reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs. Gallo Santo qualified for the standard $15,000 plus an additional $15,000 bonus (for a total of $30,000) by meeting three criteria: the space had been vacant more than a year, it's in the Downtown Retail Overlay District, and the project includes a fire sprinkler upgrade.
How the reimbursement works: The city pays out only after work is completed, inspected, and documented with contractor statements, proof of payment, and lien waivers.
The restaurant’s timeline: No opening date has been announced yet. According to Gallo Santo's social media, the restaurant plans to open in 2026 and serve Mexican fare throughout the entire day, including huevos rancheros, tacos, and dinner plates.
From Gallo Santo’s latest Instagram post:
Opening a family restaurant has always been a dream close to our hearts. Not just to serve food, but to create a place where people feel welcomed the moment they walk in. A place where traditions live on, new memories are made, and everyone feels like they belong.
Read more beginning on page 200 of this city agenda packet.
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