Tex-Mex Restaurant to Begin Construction in Downtown Clawson

A new restaurant specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine will soon begin construction in downtown Clawson with plans to open in October.

Phil Tsapatoris said the city approved his site plan on Tuesday for Mojave Cantina & Grill, which will be located at 48 W. 14 Mile Rd., west of .

Tsapatoris, of West Bloomfield, said Clawson is an ideal location for the restaurant, which is similar to in Royal Oak serving Mexican and Southwestern food.

"We like Clawson and we notice that they have nothing like that in the area," said Tsapatoris, who will co-own the restaurant with Phil Lampos. The business partners have about 55 years of experience combined in the restaurant industry.

Tsapatoris said he will spend most of the summer working on the restaurant and is hopeful it will be open by Oct. 1.

In addition to Tex-Mex cuisine, Tsapatoris said he hopes to have live music nights, local beer and desserts from local bakeries.

"We’re trying to incorporate and help local businesses out," Tsapatoris said.

Director Joan Horton said the new restaurant will occupy the last major, empty building in downtown Clawson. Horton said the building was formerly a laundromat.

"They’ve got a very ambitious road ahead of them," Horton said. "It is independently owned. It’s exactly what fits in with our downtown motto."

Correction: The restaurant will be called Mojave Cantina & Grill.