Fresco Tortillas Grill (People of Interest)

Just a short walk away from campus and easy access from a number of downtown businesses is Fresco Tortillas Grill. Located on Walton Street, the grill is owned by Gary Dong.

About a year ago, when Fresco Tortillas Grill opened, the area was a little more populated. With a couple of clubs that closed down and less traffic in the area, business has slowed a little.

However, Dong has kept the little restaurant up and going. With yellow walls and a bright red awning announcing the name of the restaurant and the numbers where orders can be placed, it is a sight that just can not be missed.

With a large vase with fresh flowers and white Christmas lights draped in the front window, the establishment welcomes in customers. As patrons enter, they are also welcomed by a menu that has been posted in the window.

It seems a great restaurant for repeat business. And there seems to be quite a few patrons who agree with one customer commenting that if it ever closed he wouldn’t know where to go for his lunch break.

The interior of the restaurant is lightly decorated and there are only about a dozen tables for dine in orders. However, the restaurant relies heavily on the take out orders that can be called in as well as ordered online at www.campusfood.com.

Fresco Tortillas Grill delivers for $10 or more to the downtown area. Most of the delivery orders are made within a 5 mile radius. The grill also does catering. So far the largest catering job it has had was for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Although it was a large order, catering can be done for small parties as well.

With convenient hours between 11:00am to 10:00pm weekdays, 11:00am to 11:00pm weekends, and 12:00pm to 10:00pm on Sunday, the grill is an open opportunity for most office workers in the area for a fresh lunch.

From the tortillas to the sauces and the guacamole everything is made fresh per order. With an average wait of 3 to 5 minutes per order, not only is the food fresh, but it’s an absolute convenience in this busy world.

“I’m pretty confident our food is better than most in the area,” Dong boasted.

The menu offers a hearty burrito at only $5.99 and enchiladas starting at $4.89 a piece. Customers can even order fajitas by the pound. These start at $10.99. And don’t forget the nachos. They start at $3.19.

Dong, originally from southern China, has lived in the Syracuse area for about 14 years. Dong moved with his father to Syracuse when he was 15.

His family has been in the restaurant business his whole life. Several family members own and operate restaurants in New York City as well as the downtown area of Syracuse. Two other family businesses include Dragon City and Oishi Sushi.

Dong and his wife own Fresco Tortillas Grill. When they married 3 years ago, Dong’s wife had been in the Mexican food business for several years and thought that Mexican food was the easiest way to go.

“My wife thought it was easier to manage than other types,” Dong explained.

Even though the name is borrowed from a family owned restaurant in New York City, Fresco Tortillas Grill promises a full stomach for those needing a quick meal for those short lunch breaks.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in April 2010 in Syracuse, NY