Pikositos comes from the Spanish word “picoso” which means hot, spicy regarding the flavor, aroma, and quality of spices. Pikositos serves a variety of tacos and salsas with the authenticity of Mexican food. Owned by Norma Jaxwinskiand staffed by five people. The restaurant has been up and running since June 3rd new to the Heartside Business district, they are creating quite a reputation for spicy food, worth coming back.
 
Their menu consists of tacos, quesadillas, burritos, as well as her Mexican soup served in combos. Items which she chooses to use are fresh, loss cost, economical, convenient, authentic, and tasty. All items from the menu are cooked the day of, to ensure fresh quality food. They also considered health issues they might face so they offer items with or without meat to and fresh items to keep the healthy theme going.
 
I really wanted to sit down with Norma, the owner of Pikositos and ask what the scoop was on her success as Mexican restaurant centered right downtown. I decided to ask her myself, about conducting an interview. She is a very relaxed woman who runs the front counter with a warm welcoming smile, that fit the bright atmosphere of this newly decorated restaurant. Which includes a flat screen T.V., free Wi-Fi, and multiple seating arrangements for all to enjoy. Whether you enjoy high stools and tables in the front of the restaurant or a more family oriented feeling with low tables in back, they have options for everyone!
 
The reason she choose a place like downtown was because she saw potential and growth, since there wasn’t many Mexican restaurants in the area. And knowing people like Mexican food she knew it would go over well with customers. On a regular Basis Norma and her staff serve anyone from students, business professionals on lunch break, local business owners, etc.
 
When people come to eat at her restaurant she would like them to have good food and fort them to say “I’m definitely coming back”. And also for customers not to be afraid to comment about her food and service so that their voices can be heard and Norma can make the corrections needed. A key element in any restaurants success.
 
Some of the things Norma hopes to gain from owning Pikositos is publicity  growth. As well as a business that can hang in there even through tough times and become a strong restaurant at the end of the day. The ways she secures this is by having the Mexican radio station advertise the opening of her new restaurant as well as using facebook, gr now, flyer's, and local business connections. But one of her goals is to get a neon light with an arrow during evening hours. As well as more outdoor lighting fixture's to light up her restaurant. Due to the fact that it’s so new and most people still don’t know of her restaurant and poor lighting makes it hard to see during the night. So she is currently working on fixing that as soon as possible.
 
Currently she also wants to help local artists promote their work by switching out art pieces on a regular basis to keep things new and inviting. Her first artist brought on board was Hugo Claudin. And she hopes to keep up the same idea for other local artists to promote their works of art.
 
I personally enjoyed interviewing Norma she is a great business owner. Who is ready to grow and expand her restaurant. She has the support of me and the Heartside Business Association. So you decide on if shes as good as I said and hopefully you’ll be just as surprised as I was.
By Vanessa Servin

Community begins with people. Connected to a place. And a vision. 
On Thursday, June 3,  2010 at 5pm, neighbors, business owners and local leaders will celebrate Heartside's newest public gathering space — the pocket park at the corner of South Division and Cherry.
 
Following a dedication by Mayor George Heartwell and the Heartside Downtown Neighborhood Association, we will enjoy an ice cream social and live entertainment. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Where Corner of South Division and Cherry.
When June 3rd 2010  5:00 pm
RSVP Let us know if you plan to attend and if you are bringing guests. (We don't want to be short on ice cream!) jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or   855-0435
 

After a steller show of support from the South Division business residents and business owners Artist Erwin Erkfitz and building owner kevin Haviland were granted a one year extension on the mural and door covering located at 217 S. Division by the Historic Preservation Commitee. Reed More Here: http://bit.ly/3IZ25p
 

When you talk to Erwin his enthusiasm is infectious. It is no wonder that he was able to secure 6 community sponsors to provide the materials he needed to create the 3 story mural that stretches a quarter of a block down South Division.
 
If asked what has inspired his piece "We are all Connected 2.0" Erwin states that he has been drawing on his experiences living and working in Heartside for the last 5 years. His Studio/ Apartment Ration 2:21 is located on Williams Street at the center of the Avenue for the Arts. His home/studio has been host to a variety of art shows, exhibitions and his wife Audrey's yoga Studio, A Beautiful Yoga. Currently it is also home base for ErwinErkfitz design.  
 
Erwin said he is sees the enthusiasm behind Artprize as an extension of what many local artists have been working on for years and is happy to see it garnering the positive public attention. When asked what he has found most surprising about Artprize his response was… “I am really surprised that people don’t realize that THEY get to vote on who wins the $250 thousand dollar prize.” If you want a quick brush up on the voting process (which is surprisingly easy) please click here!
 
 
For more information about Erwin and to check out his work in process go to his artprize bio OR check out the great time lapse of him hard at work located on his website.