Mexican food lovers, the wait is over.

After months, if not years, of speculation and rumors, it’s now official. La Fogata, the popular authentic Mexican restaurant with two locations in the northern Outer Banks, will be coming to Hatteras Island.

Tony Fernandez , one of five partners who own the restaurant, says the plan has been to open a Hatteras Island location for a long time, mainly because of repeated requests from local patrons.

 “We have many customers who live south, and they say it’s hard to drive all the way here, so we thought it would be nice to open a restaurant there too, and save them a trip,” he says.

The menu will remain the same as the other locations, but there will be no margaritas. Restaurants on Hatteras Island can sell only beer and wine.

For those unfamiliar with the La Fogata menu, the fare is a wide assortment of standard Mexican cuisine, from tacos and enchiladas to fajitas and chalupas, and it is moderately priced for Mexican food lovers on a budget.

 The restaurant will be opening in the Food Lion Plaza in Avon, in the former Exotic Cargo location, next to Dollar Tree and Beach Pharmacy.

Unfortunately, hungry locals and visitors have a little bit of a wait ahead of them.

“We’re hoping to open in late May or early June, but were not sure how long it’s going to take because we’ve got to start from scratch,” says Fernandez.

In fact, La Fogata will have to install everything required for a working restaurant, from the kitchen to the hostess stand.

“But we’re excited to get started,” he says.

La Fogata also plans to stay open all winter to cater to year-round residents.

Once open, the hours will be Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday noon – 9 p.m., and Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.  “We’re also thinking about having entertainment as well, like live music,” says Fernandez.

Best of all, the owners and staff at La Fogatas are just as thrilled about their new location as the salivating locals and frequent visitors who are looking forward to fulfilling their La Fogata craving without the hour long drive.

“We are very excited about coming to Hatteras, especially because of nice local people who are there year round,” Fernandez says. “We are looking forward to our new restaurant.”