By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–A new restaurant serving up a variety of Tex-Mex cuisine at affordable prices is now open in Old Town Helena in the space formerly known as The Coal Yard.

Señor Chef Bar & Grill opened on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4085 Helena Road and restaurant owners Jose Perez and Carlos Hueramo plan for the restaurant to be a place where families can come enjoy delicious Tex-Mex food with a touch of gourmet while also being affordable.

The menu at Señor Chef offers more than 62 combinations to choose from including favorites such as beef, chicken or pork combination plates, enchiladas, quesadillas, flautas, chimichangas, burritos, tacos, chile relleno, fajitas, seafood tacos and more.

Former high school classmates Perez and Hueramo opened the restaurant in Helena after Perez sold his share of his food truck business in Pelham.

“We’ve both known each other a long time and we both grew up in Hoover and we decided to partner and move over here to open the restaurant,” Perez said. “Both of our families have owned restaurants for years and I started working at a restaurant when I was 13.”

Both Perez and Hueramo agreed that they wanted the restaurant to be a place where families could come sit down and enjoy good food while not breaking the bank.

“We both have families and we know that there are some places around town where it’s so expensive that you might only be able to eat there once a week or less,” Perez said. “We want this to be a family environment and our aim is to be affordable.”

In addition to the variety of options offered on the menu, Señor Chef also offers a daily special and lunch specials available everyday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When asked what were some of the favorites offered on the menu, Hueramo said the Jalisco burrito.

“The Jalisco is a mega burrito stuffed with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, grilled peppers and onions, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream and tomatoes,” Hueramo said.

To pair with the food, the restaurant offers a traditional lime margarita or flavors such as mango, strawberry, blueberry, peach, pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry, piña colada, margarona or fresh lime rita. Other beverages offered include wine and soft drinks.

Señor Chef is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information on Señor Chef, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/senorchefhelena/.