Margaritas, burritos, enchiladas. Grab your sombreros because a new Mexican restaurant is coming to Ames.

Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe will soon join the ranks of Ames’ eating establishments when construction at 631 Lincoln Way, downtown Ames, is completed.

“I believe that the new Carlos O’Kelly’s will open in Ames sometime mid to late summer, however weather permitting, it may open early summer,” said Joe Williams, director of field marketing for Carlos O’Kelly’s.

The restaurant will feature traditional Southwest American styles. Carlos O’Kelly’s will also have a full bar, featuring margaritas and a variety of Mexican beer.

In addition to the cuisine, the atmosphere will include a theme of Western, Native-American and Mexican artifacts. Dress for the restaurant is casual.

Charlie Biller, director of operations for Carlos O’Kelly’s, said the new establishment will be about 6,481-square feet, will seat 247 guests and employ 90 individuals.

There are six other Carlos O’Kelly’s locations in Iowa including Marion, Iowa City, Waterloo, West Des Moines, Sioux City and Burlington.

A seventh location in Mason City is scheduled to open Jan. 13 of next year.

John Dolezal, manager of the recently opened Carlos O’Kelly’s in West Des Moines, said the Ames location will likely do well.

“Since we have opened in November, business has been wonderful and I assume the location in Ames will be similar to the Carlos O’Kelly’s in other areas,” Dolezal said.

At least one Iowa State student is looking forward to having a Carlos O’Kelly’s in the backyard.

“I have eaten at the Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City, where the atmosphere was very casual. The food was similar to Chi Chi’s in Des Moines and the restaurant is split evenly between half being a bar and the other half being a restaurant,” said Matt Southwood, a freshman in pre-business.