By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — Within three weeks, Columbiana diners will have another choice when eating out here.

Felix Rural and his wife, Kim, are busy making ready the building that was once Kentucky Fried Chicken to house their second restaurant, Oaxaca Mexican Grill.

The couple also owns a Mexican restaurant in Linden, Ala.

The family-style restaurant will feature a Mexican buffet during lunch.

“Because the courthouse is so close and people may not have time to wait to order from the menu during lunch, we think they will enjoy the buffet,” Rural said.

In addition to the Mexican buffet offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, Oaxaca Mexican Grill will also offer daily specials, and will be open seven days a week: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rural said he is also in the process of applying for a liquor license, as well.

“We love this town. It’s just nice. We’re going to work hard to make it here,” he said.

Rural said he and his wife will both work at the restaurant, as well as perhaps four or five other employees.

“We’re working hard getting it ready. We’re changing things up a little inside and got a lot done during the last couple of days,” he said.

Rural expects delivery of needed equipment for the restaurant by Monday.

“We’re going to open as fast as we can,” he said.

Tom Seale, who is a Columbiana city council member, said he is looking forward to the restaurant’s opening.

“All of us on the city council is very pleased and excited to have another fine restaurant to choose from in Columbiana,” Seale said.