Agaves Mexican Grill opens second Merced location. What does that mean for the original?

Restaurant goers might be wondering why they are seeing double in the Promenade near North Merced. That is because brother and sister Efraín and Karina Lupian opened their second Agaves Mexican Grill.

The grand opening was hosted on July 12. Customers enjoyed food and drinks as well as a live mariachi band.

“A lot of our customers were asking for a full bar. So we didn’t have enough space over there (first location) to do a full bar,” Karina Lupian said. “So that’s why. Starbucks moved and we saw an opportunity to move to this location to make it a little bigger.”

Here is what customers can expect from this new location.

When are they open?

Restaurant hours are from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday they are open until 12 a.m.

What are the most popular menu items?

The “Agaves Piña” is the most popular menu item, says Karina Lupian. They take the pineapple, cut it in half, and take the insides out. The pineapple is then grilled and filled with a choice of meat topped with green sauce, melted cheese, avocado and served with a side of rice and beans.

If Agaves would be the best at something, Karina says, she would label it as having the best fajitas.

Do they have happy hour?

Yes, starting Aug. 1.

“We’re trying to do, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. I believe, a special bucket of beer and then we’ll also have special margaritas, cranberry and vodka, like classic drinks that they can get for a better price,” Karina said.

Do they offer any specials?

During the week they offer food specials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Will the original location stay open?

Yes, the original Agaves will remain open. Karina says they plan on turning it into a brunch spot where they will have a totally different menu. They plan to include items such as pancakes and waffles and the newest location will keep their original menu.

Do they cater?

Yes, those interested can call their restaurant number at (209) 580-4662.

Originally from Michoacán, México; Karina and her family moved to Merced when she was 13 years old.

“I have an older sister and she started a restaurant business; and, because of her, she inspires us to do restaurants as well,” Karina said.

Before opening the first Agaves in 2017, Efrían and Karina worked at El Picosito in Gustine. Efrían was the sole owner and has now left El Picosito with their brother Salvador Lupian.

Coming from a family of 14 siblings, 10 are currently working in the food industry. Locations that are run by Lupian brothers or sisters include:

▪ Chentes Tacos Taco Truck in Merced

▪ Cocina Village in Fresno

▪ El Picosito Mexican Grill in Gustine

▪ Fiesta Méxicana in Merced

▪ Frozen World in Merced

▪ Fruta Tropical in Livingston

▪ Zacatecana Morena Meat Market in Apple Valley

“It is crazy sometimes people ask, ‘How come you guys don’t cook the same rice or beans?’ Because you know like, you guys are born with the same mother and everything. But I feel like everyone has its own flavor, so it is different,” Karina said.

What makes Agaves special compared to other Mexican restaurants in Merced, says Karina, is that everything in their kitchen is made daily with fresh ingredients.

“We don’t keep anything frozen. If we don’t have anything fresh we’ll go pick it up ourselves from whatever location is closest to us,” Karina said.

With this new location there are a total of 33 employees.

“I just want to say thank you to Merced because they’ve been a very big support for us and like everything we’re doing, we’re doing for them. And we just want to make them happy,” Karina said.