Mexican chain eyes city venue

A MEXICAN restaurant chain based in London is planning to open only its second venue outside the capital in Birmingham’s business district.

Chilango is eyeing the former home of the West Brom building society on the corner of Colmore Row and Bennetts Hill for its 12th outlet.

The company serves staples such as burritos, tacos, salads and nachos.

Chicago native Eric Partaker and Dan Houghton from London launched the chain after they met working for online video phone service Skype and their first restaurant, called ‘Mucho Mas’, opened in Islington in 2007.

The name Chilango is slang for a resident of Mexico City. The group was inspired by Mexican restaurants on the west coast of the US and in Chicago.

The company has lodged new plans with Birmingham City Council to convert the basement and ground floor of 92-98 Colmore Row which was used by the West Brom until late last year when it relocated to New Street. The new restaurant will create 20 full-time jobs.