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