Waterville, Maine Welcomes New Mexican Eatery in Renovated Spot

A brand-new, family-friendly Mexican restaurant is getting ready to open its doors on Silver Street later this month. Charros’ Theater Mexican Restaurant, owned and operated by 23-year-old Juan Carlos Sanchez, is moving into the renovated space that once housed Cancun Mexican Restaurant.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Sanchez says the menu will feature all the favorites including tacos, burritos, fajitas and specialty dishes like carnitas, a pork shoulder that’s deep fried, lightly grilled and served with rice, beans, a flour tortilla, and green sauce.

He also plans to test out monthly or bi-weekly specials, adding the most popular ones permanently to the menu. One standout he’s excited about: a sweet Mexican cheesecake with a homemade crust.

Sanchez has restaurant management experience from Georgia, but chose Waterville because his father, Jose Sanchez, owns the building. The family has long worked in construction, and the building itself carries a lot of history. The KJ explained it was once home to Steve’s Restaurant, and originally the Silver Theatre, a movie theater that later became State Theater. The name “Charros” nods to Mexican cowboys, early film icons often seen as the country's first movie stars.

Sanchez stressed the new restaurant is not connected to the former Cancun Mexican Restaurant, which closed in 2021 after a string of health violations and complaints about late-night disturbances and other issues. Charros’ Theater aims to be the opposite, a safe, welcoming space for families, whether it’s a Saturday lunch or dinner after church.

The KJ went on to say that at Tuesday’s meeting, the Waterville City Council unanimously approved food, liquor, and special amusement licenses for the new restaurant. Hours will be:

Mon–Thurs: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Fri–Sat: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sun: Noon–9 p.m.

With seating for around 200 people pending fire department approval, the restaurant has undergone a major refresh, including new flooring, painted walls, and upgrades to the bar area. Sanchez also plans to add historical décor honoring the building’s theater days, including an early 1900s photo of a circus passing by the old movie house.

He’s already hired a chef and several kitchen staff and is reviewing more than 30 applications for additional positions. Sanchez says the community’s enthusiasm has been overwhelming.

“I appreciate the town being so welcoming in this process,” he said.