Today, the doors of DeKalb’s former movie theater will re-open to serve authentic Aguascalientian-style Mexican cuisine.

The restaurant’s owners, the Reyes family, will bring the food and traditions of the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes to DeKalb in the form of La Quinta de los Reyes Restaurant and Bar, 145 N. Third St.

The building houses a dining room, bar, dance club and VIP room, restaurant spokesman Gabriel Guillen said.

“We chose DeKalb as a place that we could bring our traditions and employment opportunities to the community,” Guillen said. “It will show students if they have a dream, to make it reality.”

Traditional elements in the presentation of the food make the restaurant unique, he said.

Fresh ingredients in the hot sauce and guacamole are mixed table-side by servers wearing traditional Aguascalientian outfits, Guillen said.

La Quinta plans to distinguish itself from DeKalb’s other Mexican restaurants by grilling food at the table in a presentation called las parrilladas.

Jim Balli, the co-owner of Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, 214 E. Lincoln Highway, was aware of La Quinta’s opening.

“It will have an impact on business, how much business is unforeseeable at this point,” Balli said. “We will continue serving traditional Mexican-style food.”

A circular water fountain of hand-made tiles from Tonalá (Jalisco, Mexico) greets diners as they enter.

A Mariachi band plays as diners sit in handcrafted sun- and moon-themed chairs and tables.

“Much of the entire restaurant is decorated in hand-crafted materials,” Guillen said. “From the chandeliers to the floor tiles, to the dishes – all of the items enhance the traditional and unique atmosphere.”

Part of the bar is divided for a dance area for 18- to 20-year olds. Exotic drinks will be served in the restricted bar area for guests 21 and older.

The bar opens up to a second story that can accommodate about 1,500 people.

The third floor houses a VIP room that can be booked for 70-person private parties.