Tortilleria, restaurant that moved to South Seneca after Oaklawn tornado, is moving again

A Wichita tortilleria and Mexican restaurant that relocated to South Seneca after the 2012 Oaklawn tornado destroyed its original building is on the move again.

But this time, it’s for a happy reason.

Anahuac Tortilleria and Restaurant , a family-run business opened 16 years ago by Jaime and Chila Valverde, is preparing to move from its current building at 2729 S. Seneca to a larger space a half mile to the north. It’s taking over the building at 2209 S. Seneca that until 2022 was occupied by a second location of Juarez Bakery .

The signs for the new tenant are already up.

“We’re growing, and we need more space,” said Claudia Reyes, who along with her three adult siblings and two sons help operate the business.

The family is not sure when the move will be complete, but Reyes said it’s hoping to open in the new space during the first week of August. A grand-opening celebration is planned for Sept. 16.

The business produces fresh flour and corn tortillas, which it sells to the public and also supplies to Mexican grocery stores and restaurants around town. It also makes and serves dishes like tacos, enchiladas, burritos and flautas and specializes in menudo, barbacoa and gorditas. Its current building had a little room for dine-in customers, but the family has been offering food to-go only since COVID-19.

When it moves, the restaurant will have a couple of tables for dine-in customers. The family also plans to start selling packaged chile verde that customers can grab-and-go as well as staples like milk and cheese. The store also will stock some beer to go, and it will carry Juarez Bakery’s bread.

The business will likely stay open at its current address for another month, Reyes said.

Anahuac is named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, that the owners are from.

Former K-State football player, brewery owner hopes to expand into his hometown of Wichita

Owner of this 34-year-old Wichita restaurant is ready to retire, announces plans to close

Despite stress-fueled marital spat, Wichita team comes in 1st on latest ‘Food Truck Race’