Meximodo is hard to miss in downtown Metuchen, an otherwise relatively tranquil Central Jersey hub. The cocina and tequila bar’s glowing marquee and array of flowers are sure attention grabbers, as are the streams of customers filing in and out of the large space on Pearl Street.

Owner Saurabh Abrol opened the Mexican restaurant last month, but he’s had ties to the town for decades. His father opened Wine Chateau, the wine and liquor store on Central Avenue, in 1995 which Abrol joined to work with his father in 1997. About 10 years ago, Abrol wished to venture into the hospitality side of the business so he opened Le Malt Lounge in nearby Woodbridge, a spot offering New American cuisine with a lengthy wine and spirits list, followed by a location in Red Bank.