Fans of Lomita’s Mexican Restaurant have a new venue to enjoy classic and specialty dishes such as fajitas and chimichangas.

Lomita’s, as it is commonly referred to, has moved its operations from its previous location at 140 S 25th St. to 2223 Fifth Ave S., the site that formerly housed Zebb’s Burgers and More and before that the Fort Dodge Maid-Rite.

The restaurant opened at its new location Sept. 15.

The new location is less than a half-mile from the old one.

The move was done to create more space inside and out, according to Alfonso Galvan, owner of the restaurant.

“We wanted to have more space for parking,” Galvan said. “We were pretty tight on parking. The main reason for the move is to have better parking and it is more accessible.”

The 2,350-square-foot building was purchased by Galvan in June for about $310,000, he said.

“We have good food and good service,” he said. “Parking was the issue we had at the old location.”

Galvan is renting out the space of the previous restaurant location.

He said the new building also is in better condition.

“The building itself is in much better shape,” he said. “The restrooms will be bigger and the patio will have at least 10 tables.”

The outdoor area will feature two gazebos and a fire pit.

“We have a lot of people who like to enjoy a beer or smoke a cigarette, so the patio will be a welcome addition,” he said.

In hopes of attracting new customers and bringing a fresh perspective to the restaurant, Galvan said he also plans to have live music or a DJ.

“We are very excited to add the music and outdoor patio,” Galvan said.

Inside the restaurant there are about 18 tables with seating capacity for about six at each table.

An island table and a revamped bar are other new attractions.

Galvan decided to stick with the bright, vibrant colors on the interior and exterior of the building.

“People really like bright colors, so we are going to keep the same colors as the old place,” he said.

The outside is white and blue with a red roof and lights. Inside is mostly blue and yellow.

Galvan, who has been working in restaurants for nearly 30 years, started Lomita’s in Fort Dodge in 1999.

He credited Ray Venegas and Cy Vojack for helping him get his start.

“When I came to Fort Dodge I didn’t have the money or credit to buy the building, but they helped me,” he said.

“For them to trust me and help me start my business meant a lot,” he added.

Galvan started washing dishes in restaurants at the age of 17 in Mississippi. After that he served as a bus boy. He continued to work his way up before he entered into a partnership with other family members to own a restaurant out of state.

He said it was a brief partnership and was a learning experience.

In the late 1990s, Galvan was looking for a place to start another restaurant. He considered Dubuque, Waterloo and Mason City before settling on Fort Dodge.

Galvan’s brother, brother-in-law and nephews have worked at Lomita’s through the years.

Lomita’s staff numbers about 10 workers. He said he may consider additional staff depending on how much business the restaurant gets at the new location.