The previous version of the Mi Pueblito Rutherfordton location just hours before it was torn down.

Local favorite Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant, with locations in Rutherfordton, Forest City, Shelby, Marion and Kings Mountain, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in business starting on Cinco de Mayo. Fun, family-friendly activities are planned from Thursday, May 5 through Saturday, May 7 as Mi Pueblito commemorates years of growth, its strong legacy of Mexican heritage, and seven new dishes. Each location is hosting a grand fiesta with special entertainment on Thursday, May 5, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Mi Pueblito is owned by a husband and wife team, Cindy Cope and Rodrigo Chavez. Cindy is a Rutherford County native while Rodrigo was born in Morelia, Mexico, a town famous as the winter home of the monarch butterfly. They met while working in a restaurant where Cindy was a server and Rodrigo a cook.

Together they managed to find a building in Rutherfordton and establish a small eatery with a good reputation that continued to grow and thrive. Today, their roles are a natural progression of when the two first met: Rodrigo is the chef of cuisine and oversees kitchen operations for the chain, and Cindy is still in the front of the house, focused on business management and hospitality.

During the 20 years, Mi Pueblito grew to five locations. Chavez and Cope place a high value on family and community, which is why each of the five restaurants is run by a family member. Along with celebrating 20 years in business, each location is newly renovated featuring bright, lush colors inspired by the natural surroundings of Chavez’s hometown in Mexico combined with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

On Cinco de Mayo, patrons at the flagship restaurant in Rutherfordton can enjoy flamenco performances, a photo booth, personalized maracas, free face painting and balloon animals! As a “thank you” for the years of support, Mi Pueblito is giving away a variety of promo items to patrons.

The Forest City restaurant will also offer free face painting and give-aways for customers as part of its Cinco de Mayo celebration.

On Friday and Saturday night, come back to Rutherfordton’s Mi Pueblito for live music from 6 to 8 p.m. As an added treat on Friday night, those participating in the “Crazy 4 Colby” obstacle course fundraiser will receive a $1 off coupon to Mi Pueblito for that night only. On Saturday, head over to Mi Pueblito for dinner after downtown Rutherfordton’s MayFest street festival.

Mi Pueblito’s Rutherfordton and Forest City restaurants serve customers seven days a week. Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Saturday from 12 until 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m. until 9 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.MiPubs.com or Facebook.com/MiPubs.Rutherfordton.

-Submitted by Michelle Yelton