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Cabot council approves $35,000 grant to help open Mexico Chiquito patio and drive-through
Summary
The Cabot City Council voted 7-1 to approve a $35,000 Community & Economic Development Fund expenditure to support Mexico Chiquito's outdoor dining and drive-through (phase 1); council stressed the city reimburses expenses rather than making direct loans and said standard recapture/recording requirements will apply.
Cabot's City Council voted to award $35,000 from the Community & Economic Development Fund to support Mexico Chiquito's planned outdoor dining and drive-through after a presentation by the restaurant's local operators.
Johnny, the applicant, told council the project will open in two phases: a drive-through and outdoor patio first, with indoor dining later. He presented conservative financial projections and said the business expects roughly $54,000 in city-related revenue in the first full year and to create about 30'35 jobs. "These projections are really conservative," Johnny said, describing local social-media interest and comparisons to other Mexico Chiquito locations.
Council members pressed for financial clarity. One councilor asked whether the applicant had closed a loan; Johnny said lenders were finalizing appraisals and he expected to close the following week. Mayor noted the city's ordinance requires recording and a recapture provision; "We can't give a loan to somebody. We can give reimbursement for what they spent," the mayor said, summarizing the legislation's requirements.
Community Development chair Maggie Coates described the request as the committee's first funding ask of the year and said administration supports the award. After discussion about timing, planning commission review for the drive-through and conditions attached to city funds, the council adopted Resolution 32 authorizing the expenditure by a 7-1 vote; Councilman Pickard cast the lone no vote.
The council's action authorizes staff to expend the funds consistent with the resolution; the award is structured as reimbursement with recapture/recording provisions noted in the legislation. The project next moves to any remaining permitting steps, including planning commission review for the drive-through and ABC requirements before opening.
