Montague’s El Nopalito adds breakfast option

Owner Jahmes Peters and brothers Jose Campos and Daniel Campos of El Nopalito in Montague are now offering takeout breakfast.

Owner Jahmes Peters and brothers Jose Campos and Daniel Campos of El Nopalito in Montague are now offering takeout breakfast. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

El Nopalito at 196 Turners Falls Road in Montague.

El Nopalito at 196 Turners Falls Road in Montague. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

Staff Writer

Published: 10-10-2024 11:42 AM

MONTAGUE — The recent decision to offer takeout breakfast Thursday through Saturday is boosting business at El Nopalito at 196 Turners Falls Road.

“People seem to like stopping in [and] getting their burritos to go,” said Jahmes Peters, owner of the Mexican restaurant and pizzeria. He noted that having a breakfast option is proving popular with people working in the industrial park, at Judd Wire and at other Montague businesses.

Since Peters took over full ownership of the restaurant earlier this year, he said the goal has been to expand the business. Customers share feedback with Peters and the staff about new menu items like pastas, chicken wings or chicken fingers. The idea to add a breakfast menu arose from customer suggestions.

“Enough people said that and we decided to add it,” Peters recalled. “We thought about breakfast, too, to help the business out, and since we’re not on Avenue A or a main street, we’re happy that they come to the restaurant and we want to give them something in the morning.”

Being a restaurant owner has been a dream for Peters. He said there’s been a learning curve but the experience is also an opportunity to connect with the community.

“It’s been a real nice experience, and definitely I’ve learned to keep my mind open and listen to the customers about what they may have to say or what their input may be,” he said. “If it’s possible to implement some of their ideas, then we see about doing it.”

Customers can order from El Nopalito online for takeout breakfast between 7 and 10:30 a.m. All breakfast burritos come with three eggs and mozzarella cheese alongside home fries and chipotle queso dip. Hot and iced coffee as well as lemonade and hibiscus tea are available to drink.

For now, the restaurant is only offering a takeout option for breakfast orders, but customers can eat in during the lunch and dinner hours. The regular menu includes a variety of Mexican cuisine options along with pizza and pasta. Peters said the $7 to-go margaritas are also a staple of the menu.

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Customers have spread the word about the restaurant, and people from across New England have visited. Peters said the community support has been important to his business’ success, and he and his staff are appreciative.

More information about El Nopalito and updates can be found on the business’ Instagram page @el_nopalito_restaurant_. Orders can be placed online at elnopalitomontague.com or by phone at 413-863-5419 or 413-863-5645.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com.