Columbus restaurant with bold new mural plans to open this week
After months of curiosity surrounding a new Columbus restaurant with a striking exterior mural, Santo Corazón Mexican Gastrobar, 8186 Veterans Parkway, Building 1, is preparing to welcome its first customers.
The restaurant plans to open June 12 or 13, according to a direct message sent to the Ledger-Enquirer from the restaurant’s Instagram account.
While an exact opening date has not been announced, customers can follow the restaurant’s social media pages, @santo_corazon_gastrobar on Instagram or Santo Corazón Mexican Gastrobar on Facebook, for updates.
Foodies react to the mural
On Feb. 10, Facebook user Phil Menzie posted a photo of the former Pure Taqueria at 8186 Veterans Parkway to the Columbus, GA Foodies Facebook page.
“Can’t wait to see the finished product…” Menzie wrote. “Old pure building.”
The post garnered over 300 comments and over 700 likes. Columbus residents expressed their opinions about the mural and its possible new tenant.
“Mural is beautiful but WHY did they have to paint the whole thing white?” another user, Callie Parker White, wrote in the comments. “Definitely looks like a mini car dealership now. But also, if this is going to be Mexican cuisine, Monarca is literally 5 feet away.”
Another user, Sandra Leigh Gunnels, commented: “So glad the building didn’t stay empty long. Excited to try the new place. Welcome to North Columbus!”
Who owns Santo Corazón?
A building permit was posted to the window. The owner was listed as “Sapo’s LLC.”
Sapo’s LLC is run by Sergio Mendoza and Alejandro Hernandez, according to their business filing. They own and operate Sapo’s Mexican Cocina, at 3033 Manchester Expressway, and Me Encanta Modern Mexican Cuisine, at 1231 Broadway.
What happened to Pure Taqueria?
Pure Taqueria permanently closed Sept. 7, 2025. The team announced the closure in a Facebook post.