Popular Middletown, NY Restaurant Reopening Under New Name?

After closing earlier this month is one of Middletown, New York's favorite restaurants reopening?

Earlier this month we shared the unfortunate news that one of Middletown's longest-operating restaurants had closed their doors after 40+ years. The legendary El Bandido restaurant located at 536 East Main St, Middletown shared the news on social media saying, "El Bandido has come under hard times and unfortunately we will be closed until further notice." The message went on to say "We will be back soon and stronger than ever." Well, it appears soon has arrived!

El Bandido Reopening?

Two weeks ago as I was gathering information regarding the closing of El Bandido's Middletown and Spring Valley, NY locations, I reached out to the Tello family who own and operate the restaurants to see if they could provide any information as to why the restaurant was closing and if they had any future plans for the locations. I didn't hear back from them until late last week when the Tello brothers (Tony & Angel) shared why the restaurants were closed saying,

"My family has had the privilege to serve the communities surrounding Middletown and Spring valley NY for the past 47 years, during this time my father has made countless relationships and devout customers that we see as an extension of our own family. Our father had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and feel like they were old friends even if it was their first time there. Sadly after his passing we no longer had our identity, we had lots of debt accrue and with the pandemic arriving shortly after we hit a very tough spot. After many months of trying to catch up, unfortunately we were forced to close."

El Bandido Rebuilding

Their message went on to say that they were hoping that in time they could "rebuild the restaurant. Creating a new atmosphere and menu where our regulars don't entirely lose their beloved restaurant and where my brother and I can create something of our own."

SEE ALSO: Several Fights Cause Middletown, New York School to Close

VIVA Bandido

The restaurant formerly known as El Bandido will be reopening under the new name VIVA Bandido this week (11/27). VIVA Bandido held a soft opening over the weekend at both the Middletown and Spring Valley locations and will have the Grand Opening on Tuesday, November 28th. The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Sunday 12-10p.m and closed on Mondays.