La Fuente

Mt Vernon has always boasted it’s fair share of Mexican style restaurants.

In April of 2021, Javier Zambrano decided it needed one more. He brought the La Fuente franchise from Fairfield to 222 S 9th St. in Mt Vernon. Replacing what once was Guero’s Mexican restaurant, “Javi” as he is known, re-envisioned the space and introduced a new menu and flavors to the community.

When I asked him how he got into the restaurant business, he had to take me back to 2010, where he was working in California at a McDonalds at the age of 18. He enjoyed the food business but longed for a better dining experience. He wanted to serve customers, bring food to the table, and create a warm atmosphere where people gathered over his cooking to share life.

Some family friends had just such a restaurant in Kansas, and invited Javi to join their business. He happily obliged, being young and single, and looking to challenge his culinary skills. For four years Javier worked and learned the restaurant business, always desiring to one day run his own

It was during these years that he would meet Giselle, who would later become his wife. They were originally from the same town in Mexico, and fate would bring them together again. Giselle’s brother, Danny, owned a restaurant in Fairfield IL named La Fuente. He invited Javi to join him in creating a franchise where they could expand to new cities in the region. After working for a few years with him, (and opening a franchise in Flora) the opportunity to open their location in Mt. Vernon finally arrived.

La Fuente boasts a full menu of authentic Mexican dishes and flavors. Javi credits his kitchen staff for the delicious food that brings their customers back time and time again. “They have been cooking these dishes for most of their lives, and nobody works harder than they do” says Javier. Boasting one of the fastest service times in town, a quick lunch or meeting can be had any day of the week. It’s probable you could grab a restaurant quality meal faster than sitting through a lunch-hour drive thru!

Two of their most popular dishes are the Tacos De Birria, which is 2 or 3 fried tacos filled with savory grilled shredded beef and cheese, along with cilantro, onions, and spicy sauce. The Taste of Mexico is also a popular favorite, featuring 4 corn tortillas filled with carnitas, steak, grilled chicken, and al pastor.

Jefferson County may want to consider trying out their Taco Tuesday, featuring $1.25 tacos all day. And what is a Mexican restaurant without Margaritas!?  Margarita Fridays and Saturdays feature full Pitchers for $10.99 and Towers for $13.99 all day.

They also have Margarita flights for $15.95. Flights have 5 different margaritas, and you get to choose your own flavors! Choose from Regular Lime, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Mango, Pina Colada, Blue Curaçao, Prickly Pear, and Banana.

For the busy office or party, La Fuente delivers up the same great tastes on the go! They offer popular dishes like Fajitas, Vallerta, Chicken on the Beach, Steak on the Beach, or a traditional Taco Bar for your event. Just give them a couple hours notice for large orders and they will have you ready to go

Another unique benefit to this Mt. Vernon staple is their location. Just a few steps off the square, many downtown businesses benefit from the short walk and convenience of downtown eateries.

 Javier says that many events downtown benefit his business, and he benefits them as well. Everyone knows we need more eating options near downtown, and we are thankful that La Fuente has chosen to serve their community right where they are.

For those looking for food and fun, Javier is adding a Gaming Room in a convenient back room of the restaurant. He hopes to add another place where you can grab great food, cold drinks, and enjoy some gaming with your friends.

Javi and Giselle now have two beautiful girls, and hope to raise their family teaching the valuable lessons of hard work, service to the community, and the hope and love that come from true human connection that often accompanies great food and drink, and a welcoming environment to enjoy it in.

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Javier and his team as valuable members! We hope you will support their business and stop in to enjoy some great food and service!

Story brought to you by: the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council