Here’s what’s opening at former Bob Evans in central Pa.

El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria is looking ahead to 2025 and a new restaurant.

Owners Manuel Ambrocio and Maria Ramirez are rehabbing the former Bob Evans at 135 Sheraton Drive in Fairview Township, York County, where early next year they will open their second establishment.

Ambrocio said the restaurant will be modeled after El Rancho in Swatara Township, with an authentic Central American menu that blends Mexican and El Salvadorian foods.

After operating for about five years, he said they were ready to expand the brand. Customers requested they open a second restaurant since El Rancho opened in 2019 on North Third Street in Harrisburg. In 2022 they relocated to bigger space in Swatara Township.

"I think we have a great team and a good system set up. I think it's time to expand and give the customers what they want," Ambrocio said.

The couple said one of the reasons they picked the location off Interstate 83 is because they are familiar with renovating a former Bob Evans. Their Swatara Township restaurant also operates at a former Bob Evans.

"We decided on that one because I liked the setup and because we already know what we are getting ourselves into with the measurements and floor plan," Ambrocio said.

The restaurant will feature a bar and the couple is applying for a liquor license.

El Rancho blends the couple's two heritages under one roof. Ambrocio grew up in Guatemala near the El Salvadorian border, while Ramirez is from Mexico.

The menu stretches from traditional Mexican foods to El Salvadorian pupuserias, a corn tortilla stuffed with savory fillings. The birria tacos are among the most popular dishes. Chunks of beef are marinated and slow-cooked for at least four hours, then shredded and stuffed into homemade tortillas which are grilled.

Another dish, the cowboy ribeye steak, is a showstopper. Advertised as "the meat eater's steak," it weighs in at three pounds. It also serves tacos, burritos and enchiladas.

The new El Rancho will be open seven days a week.