Food cart owner expands to open King St. Mexican restaurant

Gerardo Hernandez and Brooke Hernandez-Barajas, who own the popular Cultura Cali food cart, are expanding their operation to include a new brick-and-mortar restaurant, according to a report from the Wisconsin State Journal.

Jalisco Cocina Mexicana, at 108 King St., is shooting for a March 12 opening. The space was formerly home to Muramoto Downtown, and 43 North before that. Cafe Continental was there from 1998 to 2010.

The couple moved to Madison in June 2020 and started the food cart at that time, mostly on State Street Mall, and last summer during Concerts on the Square. Hernandez said they’ll continue to use their food cart to cater weddings and other private events, as well as at Concerts on the Square.

Jalisco Cocina Mexicana will offer the same food as the food cart does, with the addition of mole and ceviche dishes. The King Street space, which has a dining room, bar, and private party room, can seat 75 indoors and 75 outdoors. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.