Olivo Taco opens its second location, first in Belvidere

BELVIDERE — A popular Rockford restaurant owned by two brothers and known for its taco specials has opened a new location in downtown Belvidere. 

City officials and residents joined restaurant owners Mahmud and Said Zatar for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at 603 S. State St. to celebrate the opening of their second restaurant.

The restaurant's menu will mimic the Rockford location at 330 College Ave. and offer area favorites such as their three-for-five dollars steak taco special. 

Mahmud Zatar said they intentionally kept the theme of this restaurant similar to Rockford so that Belvidere residents could experience their mantra of peace, love and tacos.

"This is an amazing city that wants to try that peace, love and tacos that we always say," said Mahmud Zatar, who goes by Moe. "For us it's amazing to be here." 

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The arrival of Olivo Taco to the downtown area is evidence for Belvidere Mayor Clinton Morris that the city is making an effort to be a welcoming environment for emerging businesses. 

Despite the challenges some businesses have faced due to the pandemic, Morris thinks the Zatar brothers will be successful in their second home. 

"I think Belvidere will welcome them with open arms, I think they're going to do excellent," Morris said. "We welcome businesses, this is what we're after. We're after business development." 

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The Belvidere location for Olivo Taco will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday. 

Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil