Large burritos, custom bowls offered at new express Mexican eatery

ASHEVILLE - A family who has shared their Mexican recipes with Western North Carolina diners for three decades is preparing to expand to Asheville.

On Nov. 27, Nopale’s Fresh Mex Express is slated to open at 26 Carl Alwin Place, located at the entrance of Biltmore Park and sharing a parking lot with Starbucks.

Alfredo Alvarez, a Boone resident, and brothers-in-law Alvaro Leon and Genaro Leon own Nopale’s Fresh Mex Express.

The family has over 30 years of experience owning and operating traditional Mexican restaurants, including Nopale’s Fresh Mex, which has seven locations across the WNC.

Nopale’s Fresh Mex Express is a newer concept and the second to launch with the first in Marion opening nearly two years ago. The restaurant, designed with a fast-food format with a cafeteria line, allows guests to customize their dishes from an assortment of fresh ingredients.

“We’ve been having a great response. We have great reviews – excellent reviews – on Google,” Alvarez said. “They compare us with the competitors of Mexican fast food – the big chains – but we’re way better. We use our experience and ingredients. Our ingredients are fresher, and we make everything from scratch.”

The menu features large burritos, bowls, nachos, arroz con pollo, tortas and street tacos with corn or flour tortillas. Prices will average between $9-$12, he said.

Chicken, al pastor, shrimp, carnitas and birria are among the proteins with many vegetable and sauce toppings.

Beverages include soft drinks and Mexican favorites, like agua fresca, Mexican Cokes and Jarritos.

Formerly the site of Salsarita’s, Alvarez said the restaurant required little as far as renovations. However, the business partners enhanced the venue with authentic, handmade décor from their hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico, and handcrafted tables and chairs.

“We invite everybody to come check us out,” Alvarez said. “We have a different experience than other Mexican restaurants, not like the big chains. Something fast and authentic.”

The expansive dining room offers many tables and booths for dine-in guests.

Delivery will be available soon with services such as DoorDash.

Nopale’s Fresh Mex Express

Where: 26 Carl Alwin Place, Asheville.

Opening: Nov. 27.

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Info: The website will launch soon. For more, follow Nopale’s Fresh Mex Express on Facebook.

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Nopale's Fresh Mex Express expands with new Asheville restaurant