FORT WAYNE — While the exterior of El Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar on East State Boulevard currently resembles a major construction zone, loyal patrons need not worry: the historic local institution remains fully operational. The ongoing project is the latest step in a massive, multi-hundred-thousand-dollar renovation aimed at preserving the legacy of the 200-year-old home that has housed the restaurant since 1973.
The overhaul is being spearheaded by Salvatori’s Hospitality Group (SRG), which acquired the iconic eatery in late 2024. The group has been systematically modernizing the landmark, with Stephanie Bourounis—a member of the ownership team—describing the process as a true “labor of love” to keep a piece of Fort Wayne history alive for future generations.
A Complete Modernization Underway
The renovation is not merely aesthetic; it is a total infrastructure upgrade. According to Bourounis, the interior has been completely gutted, resulting in a state-of-the-art kitchen, modernized restrooms, and updated flooring, furniture, and paint. Beyond the visible changes, the restaurant has received critical technical and utility improvements, including a brand-new HVAC system to ensure climate control throughout the building, including areas that previously lacked adequate heating and cooling.
The focus has now shifted to the exterior, where the original, decaying wood siding is being replaced with a durable, sophisticated combination of stone and white stucco. The transition aims to balance modern commercial durability with the historic charm of the century-old structure. Additionally, contractors are installing a new roofed, stamped-concrete patio on the building’s west side, replacing an aging wood deck that had become a structural liability. The redesign also includes new commercial-grade windows and doors, along with new exterior lighting integrated into the soffits to address the common misconception that the restaurant was closed due to its previously dark, uninviting exterior.
The Cost of Community Preservation
The investment required for this transformation is significant. Bourounis estimates the total cost of the renovation to be between $300,000 and $350,000. While she jokes that her husband, Panos, is not entirely thrilled with the price tag—noting that it will take “a lot of tacos” to recoup those funds—she emphasizes that financial return is secondary to community impact.
“We don’t think we’ll see a return on this investment in our lifetime,” Bourounis said. “This one is definitely a labor of love for the community.”
The commitment to the property aligns with SRG’s broader strategy of acquiring and revitalizing beloved local establishments, such as Paula’s on Main and Powers Hamburgers, to ensure they remain staples of the Fort Wayne dining scene.
Celebrating a Local Favorite
Despite the construction noise, the restaurant’s popularity remains undiminished. El Azteca recently swept the Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Choice Awards, securing top honors for Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Tacos, and Best Margaritas.
To celebrate its refreshed status, the venue is leaning into experiential dining. The restaurant is currently offering seasonal margarita flights, with future iterations planned for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Furthermore, a curated tequila tasting event is scheduled for November, pairing specialty cocktails with high-end food selections. As the team works to finish the final touches on the patio and exterior, the management encourages diners to continue visiting the landmark at 535 E. State Blvd. to experience the updates firsthand.
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