Owner Eddie Perez closed Celaya’s Seafood and Sports Bar in September 2017 and reopened under a new name and different concept—Celaya’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina—in November 2018, said Maria Perez, the general manager and Eddie’s niece. Eddie also owns Celaya’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on Perry Road in Houston. As the seafood concept was not performing as well as hoped, Maria said, Eddie decided to revamp the restaurant into a second location. “He figured if he opened another location here, it would do better,” Maria said. Maria said Eddie’s father owned a store in Mexico, so Eddie grew up around business. She said Eddie always wanted to own a restaurant, which sparked the ideas for Celaya’s. “He was around [business] when he was little. Business was his thing,” Maria said. “He always wanted a restaurant for years, and when the opportunity came around, he took it.” Maria said the family-owned and -operated restaurant is known for its margaritas, homemade tortillas and authentic Mexican food. “Even though there are a lot of other Mexican restaurants around here, we always hear comments about how our food is the best,” Maria said. “It’s more authentic. It’s more like what you would see in Mexico rather than Tex-Mex.” Celaya’s features a covered patio, full-service bar, children’s sandbox and a party room for up to 80 guests, Maria said. Catering is also available. As the restaurant’s first anniversary approaches, Maria said her family’s favorite part of being in the Magnolia area has been the people they have met. “A lot of people that come here all know each other. There’s always at least one table that sees someone else they know,” Maria said. “It’s a close-knit community, and that’s a cool thing to be part of.” Celaya’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina 34616 Hwy. 249, Pinehurst 281-251-1000 www.celayasmex.com Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.