DIXON, CA (MPG) - Finally! While it’s true there are plenty of Mexican food restaurants in Dixon, we haven’t had to wait for any of them as long as we had to wait for Murillo’s.

Frances Murillo, owner of two Vacaville restaurants had plans to relocate the Merchant Street business to Ary Lane in Dixon, formerly occupied by IHOP and announced her intentions in November of 2020 hoping to bring to Dixon a history of authentic Mexican dishes. Then there were contractor’s issues and COVID that pushed pause on the Dixon development but the iconic Merchant St. location in Vacaville seemed to hold steady.

“When I first started, I had to introduce Mexican food to Vacaville. It’s really simple and not a lot of spices. It is the same now,” Frances said.

Although she opened a second location on East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville, she sold that one to her daughter, Linda, in 1988, and recently, the other to her son. The restaurant was voted Best Mexican Restaurant every year since 2005 and rarely can you find a slow day even during the week at either of those locations.

Dixon still feels like a small community to Murillo and said that Vacaville has become “overpopulated.” She wants to be able to help the schools, the children, and the special programs like she used to do. She believes her volunteerism and donations will have a stronger impact in a smaller community. And besides, her nephews live here in Dixon. Now that she has 11 grandchildren and even a great grandchild, she has renewed optimism. Her age has not deterred her.

“I enjoy my work too much to retire,” she said.

The restaurant opened last week to the public after a couple soft openings for friends and family.

“The food was delicious. I had the steak quesadilla with sour cream and guacamole and my wife, Renita, had the shredded beef taco with rice and beans. She sat down with us and spoke to us a lot,” said Dixonite Jim Ward.

“I hope they’ll be very successful in our community,” said City of Dixon Economic Development Director Raffi Boloyan at the last Planning Commission meeting.