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Amor & Tacos owner Oswaldo Vasquez said he wanted to bring his restaurant to Andalusia because of the city’s great people.

The new Mexican ‘cocina’ is located at the old Beef O’ Brady’s location at the Westgate Plaza.

“There are so many kind and great people in Andalusia,” Vasquez said. “I know that I am going to do good here. When I was in Mexico, I loved being by cows and the ranch. So, being in Andalusia is great because I love the country landscape.”

Vasquez started in the restaurant business 23 years ago.

“22 years ago, I came to Ft. Walton and some friends of mine offered me a job as a washer in a restaurant, but I turned it down,” Vasquez said. “Later on they came back to me and offered me a job as a server and I took it. I have been in the restaurant business ever since.”

The goal of Amor & Tacos is to be a well-established restaurant in Andalusia.

“I want to be recognized as a serious restaurant,” Vasquez said. “I have always taken this job very seriously. I want to bring more good jobs to Andalusia.”

One problem that Vasquez faced when trying to open was finding workers.

“It was so difficult,” Vasquez said. “The pay here is so low so it was hard to find workers willing to come. I understand that there are a lot of people still on benefits, but I also have this restaurant that is my life and I have to worry about making enough to pay for revenue and the workers.”

Now with the workers on staff, Amor & Tacos is ready to open.

“We had a training day on Thursday and it went really well,” Vasquez said. “We will open Friday and be open seven days a week.”

When people walk into Amor & Tacos, Vasquez hopes they are met with good food, a fun atmosphere and great service.

“We are going to have great food and service is going to be very important to me,” Vasquez said.

The restaurant also has a full bar with draft beers.

They will be open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m., until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m., until 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m., until 9 p.m.