The menu at Pupuseria El Mana 2 on March 19. El Mana 2 is a new Salvadoran restaurant serving pupusas, tamales and pollo rostizado. (Photo/Libby Hobbs)
Thick cake tortillas stuffed with cheese, pork and beans are a staple in El Salvador. This dish, called a pupusa, can be found in Lexington, too.
Pupuseria El Mana 2, located at Oak Tree Plaza (777 Athens Road), held its grand opening on March 19. The menu includes items like pupusas, pollo rostizado and tamales, but the tamales are served only on weekends.
Leo Lazo opened the first location of Pupuseria El Mana in Gainesville in 2018. Many friends showed up to the grand opening to support Lazo, his wife Maria and his brother Ovidio because of their connection through The Light of the World Church, which has locations in both Lexington and Gainesville as well.
“We’re here first for the food because they’re delicious, but also to support our fellow members of our church,” Samai Argueta said. “That’s something big that we’ve been taught, supporting our community and supporting the members of our church and being a part of that accomplishment.”
Maryann Gray, another friend of the Lazos and member of The Light of the World Church, drove up from Gainesville to be a part of the second opening. She said they’ve all been friends since the first El Mana opened.
While Maria works at the first location, Ovidio will run the second in Lexington, Gray said.
She said Leo Lazo will travel back and forth to help out with both restaurants.
Other customers, like Eula Williams, decided to stop by on their lunch break. Williams was looking forward to trying the new food.
“I lived in Oglethorpe County all my life, and coming here is a new experience,” Williams said.
Lazo said he hopes to soon have a website and extend their hours. He said this restaurant is a place where he’s trying to offer a variety of pupusas and small plates.
“También les quiero invitar a este nuevo lugar, Pupusería El Mana,” dijo Lazo. “Yo creo que sería bueno que vengan a conocer y prueben nuestro menú … Aquí los esperamos.”
“I also wanted to invite you all to this new place, Pupuseria El Mana,” Leo Lazo said. “I think it would be good if you would come get to know (us) and try our menu. … We’ll be waiting for you here.”
Pupuseria El Mana 2 is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 777 Athens Road in Lexington. Call 706-743-6060 to place an order.