EDITOR’S NOTE
This article is part of the Advance/SILive.com Hispanic Heritage Month series, which profiles Staten Islanders who are making an impact in the community. Do you have someone you would like to nominate for a profile? E-mail their name and a brief nomination to tips@siadvance.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — For the better part of a decade, Marlin Santos served in the military and worked as a cook. But her Army food prep experience had little to do with a recent decision to open her own restaurant.
“This is definitely different,” Santos laughed, describing her role as owner of Mariachi Mexican Cantina, a brand-new eatery in Tompkinsville that serves California-style tacos, guacamole, quesadillas and more. “I’m not the cook here. My goal with this new establishment is to bring something new and innovative to the Staten Island restaurant scene.”
Santos, who was born in the Dominican Republic, came to America in 1995, living first in Brooklyn and then Queens, before settling in Staten Island.
“I’ve been here since 2005, and I felt that the borough was lacking this type of cuisine,” Santos said. “This is very authentic, Baja-style food. Very fresh, very tasty. I love this type of food, and I wanted to share it with the rest of Staten Island.”
Located on Minthorne Street, right next to Flagship Brewery, Mariachi replaces O’Henry’s Publick House, a British comfort food spot that closed last December. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)
Located on Minthorne Street, right next to Flagship Brewery, Mariachi replaces O’Henry’s Publick House, a British comfort food spot which closed last December. Santos said she and her team prepped the building for months and designed an authentic Mexican menu before officially opening on Sept. 16.
“There was not a lot of cosmetic work to do, because O’Henry’s was already such a beautiful space,” Santos said, relaying her empathy for the prior owner. “It’s such a difficult climate for businesses right now. I truly hope that Mariachi will find success.”
Together with her staff, Santos changed the décor, added fiesta colors and replaced the old London theme. She added a big swing, which is very “Instagrammable” and hired a local artist to create some murals.
The biggest change for Santos? Taking on the role of restaurateur.
Santos sits in front of a mural that was painted by a local artist. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)
“I’ve worked in restaurants before but have never owned a business,” Santos said. “It’s challenging and brand new for me, but this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled that it’s finally all coming together.”
And as Santo has worked to establish herself as a Hispanic entrepreneur in New York City, she said she has only faced positivity during the process.
“I’ve surrounded myself with a great team,” she noted. “I have strong support from my family, friends and business partner. People have been so receptive and are truly glad to see us here.”
Mariachi’s debut menu consists of tacos, burritos, fajitas and a range of appetizers. Santos said the kitchen will soon introduce larger entrees and soups. A special menu is in the works for the customers at Flagship.
“Flagship doesn’t serve food, so we’re doing a little collaboration,” Santos said. “I love the way that all of the businesses on this strip co-exist.”
She said she hopes to bring a live mariachi band in on the weekends and plans to focus on a family-oriented crowd.
“I want this to be a space where you can bring your children and have a great meal,” she concluded. “We plan on participating in all of the community events and will strive to be a strong neighborhood partner.”
ADDITIONAL STORIES IN THE SERIES
Hispanic Heritage 2023: Photographer captures vibrance, beauty of Staten Island’s Mexican community
Hispanic Heritage 2023: This Staten Islander could lose the only home he’s ever known
