Suffolk News-Herald

Suffolk could be getting another Mexican eatery.

Business owner Mickey Boyette, who recently purchased the storefront at 212/14 E. Washington St., has been talking to the owners of a Mexican-American eatery in Virginia Beach about expanding into this city.

&uot;They are definitely interested in Suffolk,&uot; Boyette said. He has met with restaurant representatives five times and an architect and contractors have come to inspect the property at least once.

Boyette purchased the 4,400-square-foot store, formerly J.P. Boone’s television repair shop, from Suffolk businessman Andy Damiani two months ago. Damiani had purchased the property in September 2003, with the intent of opening a mini-mall similar to his Washington Square Mall.

Boyette said he has been flooded with calls from people wanting to lease all or a portion of the building.

&uot;I had three written offers from people wanting to purchase the building and at least 20 calls from people wanting to rent space,&uot; Boyette said. &uot;I don’t want to do that.

&uot;I’m looking for a Class A tenant, someone who is already established and has a proven track record in the business.&uot;

The growing downtown revitalization and the site’s close vicinity to the city’s $10 million urban renewal Fairgrounds project is driving up the demand and value of most properties along the East Washington corridor, Boyette said.

Boyette said owners of a local convenience store chain have also been in touch with him about the property.