BLISSFIELD — Marcos Garcia’s first job, at 17, was washing dishes in a restaurant. Now he’s the owner of three, with the most recent having opened at the beginning of this year.

Garcia and his wife, Maria, started Peppers Mexican Grill in 2019 in Milan. They opened a second location in Tecumseh in 2020, and their third, at 638 W. Adrian St. in Blissfield, opened on January 1.

“We spend more time at the restaurant than at home,” he said with a smile.

A family atmosphere and food made on-site from fresh ingredients are two hallmarks of the three restaurants, Garcia said.

“We use fresh produce, fresh meat — never frozen, never from a can,” he said.

Many items, including the taco marinade and the salsas, come from family recipes.

Authenticity is also important, with street tacos being a popular item for many guests.

“That’s the best seller, because it’s the most authentic,” Garcia said. 

Other favorites include fajabo, which is grilled chicken and steak on a bed of rice with onions, cilantro, tomatoes, cheese and tortillas, and the Piña Loca, which is half of a pineapple stuffed with grilled chicken, steak and shrimp, and topped with grilled vegetables, cheese and sliced avocado.

The margaritas use Garcia’s own recipe too, and anyone who can’t decide between all the flavors can order a flight of four.

The restaurant, which is located in the Borchardt Brothers plaza on the west side of Blissfield, can seat 93. There’s also a patio that will be open in warmer weather.

Garcia said the Blissfield location of Peppers currently has about a dozen employees.

The Garcias live in Milan and have three children, ages 12, 9 and 7. 

The Lenawee County locations of Peppers Mexican Grill are at 638 W. Adrian St., Blissfield, and 1410 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh. More information at peppersmexicangrill.net.