BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com

FRANKLIN—Don Pancho’s Cantina on March 1 will open at its new location — Overtime Sports Grill, which is closing.

Frank Padilla, owner of both restaurants, said he made the decision to accommodate a growing demand for Mexican cuisine.

Padilla opened Overtime Sports Grill at 1200 Armory Drive 14 months ago.

“Opening the grill was a new venture for me,” said Padilla. “I thought it would be something else for Franklin.”

The weak economy and the difficult effort to maintain both places were major factors behind closing the grill. Also, having a “bigger and better location that will fit more people, a bigger parking lot and an option to introduce a patio” are other factors for the cantina’s relocation.

The cantina at 164 Council Drive near Walmart has been around for six years; previously it was called Los Amigos.

A new site doesn’t mean there’ll be radical changes. Padilla assures customers that the menu, service, management and staff will remain.

“I’ve always worked at restaurants,” he said. “I enjoy working with the public. I think I’m really good at it.”

Padilla credits his experience and dedication to his father, Francisco. He also credits his success “to the support of my community in Franklin.”