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Tax issue resolved, Margarita's set to reopen Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, shut down nine days ago over an alleged failure to pay state taxes, will reopen at noon, Saturday.

Owner Carlos Hernandez received the keys back to his restaurant today and was busy late this afternoon, working with his staff, getting the restaurant ready to reopen.

He said he's very happy to get the issue resolved.

Through an interpreter, Hernandez said the tax issue was an oversight.

"It was a misunderstanding with the accountants."

Tax officials claimed he owned more than $32,000 in unpaid sales and corporate taxes.

Hernandez hired an attorney to help him straighten the matter out and reached an agreement with New York so he could start serving fajitas and burritos again.

Hernandez also made a point of noting all the positive comments about Margarita's on The Batavian. He appreciates the support.

Charlie Mallow

Are you kidding Mark? Ever been to a 7-11 or quick mart? Immigrants are the hardest working people in this country and they have always been. Our country has prospered off immigrant sweat and tears since it's birth.

Aug 27, 2010, 10:41pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Charlie i never meant that he doesn't work hard,The part that said ....Through an interpreter, Hernandez said the tax issue was an oversight.I found that to be odd that not knowing English he could run a business ,and my thought was maybe that is why he messed up not paying his taxes because he doesn't understand English ...I've been in there many times and they all work hard at that place..Glad to see them open again....

Aug 27, 2010, 11:05pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by Mark Potwora on August 27, 2010 - 11:05pm
Through an interpreter, Hernandez said the tax issue was an oversight.I found that to be odd that not knowing English he could run a business

Small restaurants, around the world, are run by people who can't speak English. Do you believe only English speaking people are capable of running a business?

Aug 28, 2010, 1:12am Permalink
John Roach

Bea,
Try reading what Mark said to clear up his remark. Try real hard.

Hark said that what he meant was that the language issue might, just might, be why he had the tax problem.

It's hard enough understanding all the tax rules when English is your first language.

Aug 28, 2010, 6:40am Permalink
Steve Ognibene

I am so glad you guys are coming back !! My kids and our family really enjoy coming to your restaurant. It has a great family customer appreciated atmosphere, prices that are right in-line and the food is outstanding. Thank-You for coming back !!!!!

Aug 28, 2010, 6:55am Permalink
Brian Schollard

Im glad to see them back open. They are one of our top 5 restaurants in all of WNY
The cash strapped sate has been coming down very hard on all types of business. Many of my costumers have been audited. I even lost one to the fact that they could not afford my service after the fines they paid. The useless and corrupt government is becoming totalitarian. The attempt to collect taxes from the Indian reservations will be ugly and a safety threat to the State police and citizens alike

Aug 28, 2010, 11:16am Permalink
Mark Potwora

Thanks John for clearing that up as to what i meant.. People like Bea are always looking to berate posters on here for no reason at all..They need to get a life...Look at Charlie Rangle,he speaks English was the head of the taxation committee in congress and he doesn't understand the tax laws.He doesn't feel the need to report all of his income.Wonder what Bea's take is on that...

Aug 28, 2010, 12:03pm Permalink
Bernie Thompson

Today I decided to reward my taste buds at "My Favorite" Batavia Eatery-- Margarita's Mexican Restaurant.Had a nice refreshing Margarita along with a very tasty and filling Beef Fajita with all the fixings.As I munched on the ample supply of Nacho's & Salsa,I had the pleasure to chat with Carlos (to all you haters we spoke in English) for a few minutes.Just wanted to express to him that I for one was glad the restaurant was back in operation.He mentioned all the supportive postings on The Batavian and no negative one's were brought into the conversation.

Aug 30, 2010, 5:34pm Permalink
Bernie Thompson

Howard,
As stated in the above article, Margarita's did indeed reopen on Saturday.Would have eaten there that very day but already had my sights set on Main Street Pizza!

Aug 30, 2010, 8:26pm Permalink

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