Islands Fresh Mex Grill adds party room

While a tough economy has battered many restaurant bottom lines over the past few years, Wilmington’s Islands Fresh Mex Grill is experiencing growth that has convinced its owner to expand.

“Seven nights a week we are running out of tables,” Lucas Jones said of the quick-service shop at Racine Commons.

On Friday, Jones plans to open the space next door to Islands Fresh Mex Grill, 260 Racine Drive,  as an added dining room serving daily customers and private parties. The restaurant’s bar will be able to serve both rooms simultaneously.

“We’re using that space also for birthday parties or business meetings or corporate events or any type of meeting where they need to have private space,” Jones said.

With the extra room, Islands garners about 60 more chairs and 1,230 square feet, bringing the floor to 4,250 square feet. The “party room” will host three flat-screen televisions. The main dining room already has four televisions.

Jones said he hopes the addition will boost Islands’ catering sales, but “overflow from dining room, that is the reason why I’m taking the space. The party room is kind of a last-minute idea.”

Fresh but low-priced Mexican menu staples such as tacos, nachos and burritos, most in the $3-$7 range, are what’s driving Islands success, Jones said.

“My business right now is based on volume. We don’t even have a freezer … that’s how fast food moves.”

Especially popular is Islands daily 5-10 p.m. $1 taco special, Jones said. On Sunday, $1 draft beers sweeten the taco deal. Plus, Jones noted, Islands just added Direct TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket, allowing the restaurant to broadcast every Sunday NFL football game.