Tuscaloosa Mexican Restaurant Reopens After Relocation

Made in Mexico moves to new location to make way for Raising Cane's development

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Mexican restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama called Made in Mexico has reopened in a new location after being forced to relocate to make way for the construction of the city's first standalone Raising Cane's restaurant. The restaurant had to move from its original spot across the street from Whataburger, where it had been operating for the past two years, as the entire shopping center is being demolished for the new Raising Cane's development.

Why it matters

The relocation of Made in Mexico highlights the ongoing changes and development happening in Tuscaloosa, with national chains like Raising Cane's continuing to expand into the area and reshape the local business landscape. The story also showcases how small, independent restaurants must sometimes adapt and find new homes to make way for larger corporate interests.

The details

Made in Mexico originally opened two years ago, replacing the previous Margarita Grill restaurant in a shopping center off McFarland Boulevard. However, the entire shopping center is now being demolished to make way for the new Raising Cane's restaurant. While the Made in Mexico management team had signed a five-year lease on their original location, they were forced to find a new space and have now reopened in North Tuscaloosa, on the other side of the Black Warrior River. They are replacing the former Sitar Indian Express restaurant in this new location.

  • Made in Mexico originally opened two years ago in 2024.
  • The demolition of the Made in Mexico's original location began this week in February 2026.
  • Made in Mexico reopened in its new North Tuscaloosa location earlier this month in February 2026.

The players

Made in Mexico

A Mexican restaurant that originally opened two years ago in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but has now relocated to a new space on the other side of the Black Warrior River.

Raising Cane's

A national fast-food restaurant chain that is opening its first standalone location in Tuscaloosa, leading to the demolition of the shopping center that previously housed Made in Mexico.

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What’s next

The Made in Mexico team is still working to secure a liquor license for their new location, which they hope to have in place soon.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges that small, independent restaurants can face when larger corporate interests move into an area, forcing them to adapt and find new locations to continue operating. However, it also shows the resilience of local businesses like Made in Mexico, which was able to reopen in a new space and continue serving its loyal customer base.