Phoenix Najera, the owner of Monteagle’s new Mexican restaurant Margaritas, describes herself as, “Just a hard working woman trying to take care of my kids.” Although she doesn’t mean it as such, the comment is a gross understatement.

Najera is also the owner of Margaritas in Winchester. She got into the restaurant business 12 years ago following her divorce when she opened her first Mexican restaurant in a mall in Dalton, Ga. “I had to find a way to pay for my kid’s school,” she said. Najera has four children, a daughter and three sons, one a special needs child.

A lock down on I-24 introduced her to the town of Monteagle. She got off the interstate to avoid the traffic and liked the town. “I’m always looking for new places,” she said. “I decided Monteagle would be a good place for us.”

During the interview she takes notes, prompted to reflect on items to add to the menu or ways to make it more customer-friendly.

Asked about her personal favorite, she answers without a moment’s hesitation, “Pollo Margaritas’—it’s a chicken breast topped with shrimp and chorizo cheese sauce.”

Najera recommends a Volcano Fajita vegetarian-style for those who prefer “no carne,” describing a lavish assortment of grilled vegetables served in a bread bowl.

Many items are available without meat upon request like the Margaritas’ Baked Potato. “Many restaurants have tried to copy this side dish,” said Najera. “It’s a baked potato filled with fajita-style vegetables, meat and cheese.”

The extensive menu features more than 70 entrees with an impressive selection of seafood and chef specialties.

Margaritas’ very reasonably priced kids’ menu caters to children’s tastes by including familiar favorites such as chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers and fries.

The colorful family-friendly décor offers tables, booths, and a shaded outdoor terrace. There’s also a full service bar.

Many of the employees are Hispanic and at the present all of the kitchen staff, but not for what would seem the obvious reason. “All employees must cook for one or two years before they come on the floor as servers so they’ll know the menu,” Najera explains.

Najera calls Munford and Chattanooga, Tenn., home since that’s where her grandchildren live. “I have six grandchildren,” she says proudly. “My sons are all married. Not my daughter, though.” Najera pauses to smile. “She’s too smart for that.”

Najera jokes good naturedly with the employees who clearly enjoy her company. Asked if she would consent to being photographed, she latches onto the elbows of two servers insisting they join her.

“Margaritas isn’t a family business,” Najera insists, but it certainly feels like family.

Customers are invited to enjoy Margaritas’ hospitality seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phoenix Najera runs her restaurants like she raised her children, with tender loving care.