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Del Fuego in Babylon is getting a refresh — and a reboot.
Think cowboy boots.
The popular Tex-Mex restaurant, which opened on Cinco de Mayo in 2013, will shut its doors after dinner service on Sunday, March 15 for a glow-up.
When it reopens in April, the space at 117 Deer Park Avenue will debut as Tejanos Tex-Mex Cantina.
“After many great years with Del Fuego, our family decided it was the right time to start a new company and concept here in Babylon,” said Del Fuego owner and co-founder Leo DeNicola of Babylon, who will operate Tejanos with his son, also Leo, 31.
“Tejanos is our next chapter.”
The Del Fuego locations in St. James, Patchogue and East Northport will remain unchanged.
“But here in Babylon we felt it was the right time to start a new chapter as father and son,” DeNicola added. “Del Fuego had a great run here in the village and we’re proud of what we built. Tejanos is our opportunity to take everything we learned and create a new Tex-Mex cantina concept for the community.”
The menu has been completely revamped, with the kitchen crew already trained on the new flavors. But the details won’t be revealed until closer to opening day.
In the meantime, the interior spaces — including the bar area and dining rooms — will be reimagined.
“You’ll feel a marked difference when you walk in,” DeNicola said.
“The menu will feature all the Tex-Mex favorites, such as tacos, fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, along with a strong cocktail program that will lean heavily on margaritas.
“But for the decor, think more Tex and less Mex,” the younger DeNicola said.
A family affair
“We had a great reception in Babylon,” DeNicola said, looking back. “We were busy from Day 1.”
The Babylon location marked the brand’s second outpost, and the first on the South Shore. DeNicola and his brother Joe had previously opened the first Del Fuego in St. James, which quickly took off.
Locations in Patchogue and East Northport followed.
When the Babylon restaurant opened in 2013, the younger Leo DeNicola was in college.
But growing up around the restaurant business — his father also co-founded two RUVO locations in Greenlawn and Port Jefferson, along with La Tavola in Sayville — meant the sounds of clinking flatware were a familiar part of life.
He started bussing tables at La Tavola at 16, then worked his way up.
Unlike many in the second generation, he never resisted the pull of the family business.
“I always wanted to do this,” he said. “And this restaurant in particular has always been deeply personal to our family. My father and I built Del Fuego together, and Tejanos is our next chapter.”
“Babylon has always been incredibly supportive of this restaurant,” his father added. “So we’re excited to bring something new to the community, while continuing to serve the neighborhood that we’ve been part of for years.”
Del Fuego co-founder Leo DeNicola and his son, also Leo, at the bar in Babylon, before they get ready to open Tejanos Tex-Mex Cantina next month. (Credit: GLI/Mike White)
