| Our History |
The Mexicali story begins with two amigos that grew up together just south of the border. South of the Canadian border in Vermont, that is…in Burlington’s New North End. 
Our heroes, Nick Charboneau and Dave Auriemma, formed a fast friendship during high school. They shared a love of fun, food and family and vowed that “someday” they would work together as compadres to bring happiness to the whole community.Nick worked his way up in the food industry during college, attending the University of Southern Maine, Portland, and Champlain College, Burlington. As many hard-working gringos do, he went on the road to get experience in the way of life. He learned much traveling up and down the coast (the East Coast) working festivals, concerts and fiestas. At the same time, he began working in a tiny restaurant in Williston that served authentic, fresh and tasty Mexican fare on paper plates for take-out. Dave found his own way to learning life’s lessons as manager at the local Price Chopper on Route 7 and at Champlain College. A fun and food-loving gringo, he took much joy in working with the customers and employees at the “mercado”. But he realized he needed and wanted to be in the kitchen. So it was to be that both Dave and Nick found themselves working side-by-side for amigo Harry Krause in the tiny, but fabulous, Mexican hideout known as “Mexicali.” Sadly, Harry closed the restaurant in 1998. Nick bought a small sandwich and salad shop at Burlington Mall. He and his “Salad Source” brought much joy to Burlington’s hungry lunch crowd. Dave took a job at Bourbon Street Grill, and helped the good times roll “New Orleans style” at Burlington’s former favorite hot spot. But the two never forgot their dream and began quietly working on plan to bring Mexicali back to the people of Vermont. Just one year later, in 1999, the two New North End compadres from South of the Canadian border, “Don Nick” and “Don Dave”, re-opened Mexicali and brought their unique blend of Mexican Baja-style cuisine (with a taste of Vermont products) to Williston. The locales welcomed them back to the “hills of Vermont” with open arms. They told their friends and soon word spread both far and wide about the excellent burritos, quesadillas, tacos and enchildas. Before you could say, “Viva El Presidente,” Don Nick and Don Dave doubled the size of Mexicali to 2400-square feet in 2001. Now they could welcome all of their friends, neighbors and visiting amigos in style with a full bar and table service. For five happy years, Mexicali continued to grow. Families love the casual, festive atmosphere, fair prices and choices for the young amigos. Don Nick and Don Dave became known far and wide for their fresh salsa bar and friendly service. Single folks loved to gather at Mexicali, because everyone could agree on the margaritas--hombres, senoritas and banditos alike! In 2006, Don Nick and Don Dave were going loco trying to figure out how to accommodate their growing business. The answer came to them as they were leaving the movies with their families. There--across the street from the Majestic 10 at Maple Tree Place in Taft Corners--was the space for the Cantina they had been dreaming of. Before the federales could stop them, they moved into 28 Walnut Street, Suite 180, at Maple Tree Place. They still serve their popular Baja-style Mexican cuisine with Vermont’s most palate-pleasing products. But now there is a little more elbowroom for las familias, the hombres, the senoritas AND the banditos. Don Nick and Don Dave welcome you to Mexicali. And we thank you for helping us grow to where we are today. Viva Vermont! See the Photos of the old and new MexicaliMEXICALI TIMELINE1993-1998 Opened and operated by Harry Krause atTaft Corners Shopping Center July 1998 Closed July 1999 Reopened by Don Nick & Don Dave (Taft Corners Shopping Center) 1999-2001 Operated as a fast food restaurant (1200 s.f.) May 2001 Expanded to double the size to 2400 s.f., added a full bar, more seating and table service. 2001-2006 Mexicali continued to grow, eventually outgrowing the space. July 2006 Mexicali relocates to Maple Tree Place, increasing there size again to 3600 s.f. this time adding almost double the seating from their old location. Today: Enjoyment and fun for all! |