O’Fallon, Mo.— There's new life coming for a building on Mexico Road Loop near Highway K that’s stood mostly vacant in recent years.

The once Shop N’ Save, Schnucks and Spirit Halloween will soon be a Rosalita’s Cantina.

What You Need To Know

  • Rosalita's Cantina will occupy the former Shop N Save / Schnucks on Mexico Loop Road at Highway K late 2025
  • They will employ over 100 individuals
  • City of O'Fallon believes this will draw in families, friends, and businesses from all over
  • The cantina will feature an outdoor dining patio

“It’s a game changer for O’Fallon,” said Patrick McKeehan, Economic Development Director for the City of O’Fallon, Mo. “It’s really kind of the center of O’Fallon. To have something like this that will be drawing in people from all over the region into that particular location is a big bonus to the City of O’Fallon.”

Rosalita’s Cantina will renovate the 55,000-square-foot building.

McKeehan added having a business in the building will be a big boost for the city.

The Tex-Mex cantina will occupy nearly 70 percent with a restaurant and commissary. Outside will be a patio dining space.

“Outdoor dining is huge now,” McKeehan said. “I think people are going to be pleased with having that as an option here in O’Fallon.”

Rosalita’s Cantina plans to have a seating capacity for 450.

Rosalita’s Cantina can break up into sections of rooms. “They can have wide open dining, or they can shut off an area and accommodate a party of 30 or 40. It’ll be a great place for organizations or large family reunions and things to be able to celebrate together.”   

For the last 30 percent of the space, Rosalita’s Cantina plans for it to be occupied by a retailer with whom they’ve already begun negotiating with.

While the land has provided O’Fallon with property taxes in recent years, they say the cantina, estimated to bring in a potential $10 million in sales annually, will be a boost for the city via sales tax.

The city collects 2 percent of the 7.95 percent sales tax. City council approved a community improvement district (CID) bill at their latest meeting. The CID allows Rosalita’s Cantina to apply up to a 1 percent sales tax. The money generated from it can go to infrastructure, landscaping, parking lot improvements, or other public beneficial expenses.

They expect to begin construction late this year or early 2025. Plans are for the cantina to open in the latter half of 2025. They are expecting to employ more than 100 individuals.