September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. The month is a time to reflect on the influences of Hispanic culture and to celebrate. During this time, festivals are held throughout major cities that feature traditional dances and lots of food. These festivals bring out local vendors with food trucks featuring food from different Latin American countries.

As of July 1, 2016, Bulloch County’s population of Hispanics stands at a low of 3.37 percent. So why does the city of Statesboro have many Mexican restaurants? All claim to be the most authentic, but El Rinconcito has been voted Best Mexican restaurant by Best in the Boro for three years.

“We saw that our Hispanic costumers were looking to buy more things than food here, so we have decided to expand,” said Pablo Salazar, general manager of El Rinconcito. “Our food is made with recipes that some of our own workers have used for years, so I think it’s authentic. It’s what their grandmothers taught them.”

The restaurant plans to add more dishes and what is called, “antojitos.” Antojitos are what people like to call Mexican snacks. Snacks such as homemade sliced cucumers with lime and salsa. Fruits covered with chile powder are the most common type “antojitos.”