Crop Rocks Out of Waterloo Bank Building, Mexican Concept Inks Deal

When Steve Schimoler formally opted out of his plans to open the flashy Crop Rocks in the former Key Bank Building (15619 Waterloo Rd.), it was a big blow to all the folks hard at work to make Waterloo and North Collinwood a destination neighborhood.

Well, the building already has been spoken for. Eddie Galindo and partner Jessica Anter, who own and operate the original Luchita’s Mexican Restaurant (3456 W. 117th St., 216- 252-1169, luchita.com), will open a new Mexican concept in the dramatic building.

“The concept is to do Mexican street food — affordable and casual stuff like street corn, tacos, shared plates and some Luchita’s staples like chile rellenos and mole,” says Anter.

The plan is to model the space after an old Mexican cantina with brick walls, reclaimed wood and Mexican artifacts. “Kind of a scruffed-up vibe,” adds Anter.

There will be a large bar, high-tops, communal tables and conventional dining tables. A garage door will open up to a courtyard shared with neighbor Tom Bell, who will open The Fillmore in the former Harbor Pub location.

“I was not very familiar with the neighborhood, but we got there and saw the bank and we both got so excited about the possibilities,” says Anter. “The artsy, music-y neighborhood has so much room for growth.”

Alan Glazen, who along with Randy Kelly and Linda Syrek will open Waterloo Brew at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home, could not be more pleased with the developments.

“It’s a real big coup for us — within seven days [of the property becoming formally available] we had this deal done,” says Glazen. “We’re really excited that this all is finally coming together after three years.”

Waterloo Brew and The Fillmore are on track to open October 3, while the Luchita’s folks hope to be open in time for — you guessed it — Cinco de Mayo.

This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2014.