Even in a down economy, dining establishments are expected to post an increase in sales from 2008. According to the 2009 Economic Forecast report from the National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales will increase nationwide to $565.9 billion this year.Main chef and manager of La Mission Restaurant, Michael Lucero, said he has seen this trend reflected in his business. “Since the restaurant economy has been a little bit slower, I have seen growth in my business (in Lamar),” Lucero said. Evaluating the area, he said Falcon seemed like a good location for another Mexican food restaurant.La Mission opened in June and Lucero said he enjoys serving people in Falcon. “It’s been real nice. Especially all the people, they are all real friendly,” he said.The restaurant offers Mexican and American cuisine, ranging in price from $3.25 for al a cart items to $14.95 for a steak dinner. “Our specialty is our homemade green chili. It’s made from fire-roasted green chilies we get from the Arkansas Valley,” he said, adding that they also specialize in burritos.Lucero grew up in the restaurant business. He said his grandfather started the Mission Bell Inn restaurant 40 years ago at the corner of Woodmen Road and Academy Boulevard. The family has since sold that store, but Lucero said his family members own and operate 11 restaurants throughout Colorado and one in Texas.He said La Mission follows the family tradition of providing homemade food. All the dishes are made fresh, from scratch, using tried and true family recipes and methods.La Mission Restaurant offers full service dining, daily specials and takeout service. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
