Signage in the window at the old Fonda Lupita location, 129 W. Main St. in Sanford, indicates a new restaurant will occupy the site soon.

Work on Mariscos No. Juan is nearing completion by the same people who brought you Fonda Lupita – which opened at the same location in 2020 and was named one of the best new restaurants in the United States before moving to South Horner Boulevard in 2022.

Mariscos – the Spanish word for seafood – will feature dishes like ceviche, fish and shrimp tacos and tostadas, and rotating specials, according to owner Biridiana Frausto. Frausto said diners can expect a “fast casual” concept similar to the one Fonda Lupita uses.

“We’re going to keep the same flavors,” she said. “The menu will be more strictly seafood.”

Frausto said most of the work is done and she’s just waiting for the inspections and permitting process to play out before opening. We hope it’s sooner than later!