A devastating storm was no match for a dynamic brother and sister duo.

Marlem Power and her brother Abraham Ramos Serratos were surrounded by community members on Wednesday as they celebrated Chilangos grand reopening at a new location in the Bell Tower at 365 North Front Street. In June, damaging winds ripped the roof off of Chilangos Mexican Restaurant, one of Belleville’s most popular restaurants.  Chilangos has been a mainstay in the community for 11 years, six on Front Street.  Following the news of the storm, the community rallied behind Power and Ramos Serratos, donating nearly $13,000 to see them rebuild their business.

When the storm hit, Power said she knew "they needed to react, adapt and to make decisions."

"The decision was Chilangos was not going to disappear," she said.  "Chilangos was here to stay.  We are going to make it happen again while embracing one another and making sure that we didn't lose that side of our ambition or our dream of what we had from the beginning.  Chilangos is here for many more years and we are really happy that we are able to provide authentic Mexican food."

Both Power and Ramos Serratos expressed their gratitude to the community.  

"I'm really happy to see our community, our family and friends who have stood behind us through all this process," said Power.  "I'm really overjoyed to know that the sense of community who has supported us in the beginning, in the process while in the downtown locations and now as we reopen the new home of Chilangos Mexican restaurant."

Ramos Serratos said their faith kept them going.

"We didn't know why it happened but for sure we know it happened for a reason," he said.  "Sometimes to get you out of your comfort zone and sometimes the dreams that we have to make them come true."

He said a bigger location was always a dream.  Their first location on Front Street seated 26 guests.  They expanded and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"Right now we have the location we always dreamed of," he said.

The new spot, which is the home of the former Red Rock Canyon seats 160 with the ability to host parties and more.

Mayor Mitch Panciuk called Chilangos' rebirth a real success story.

"With everything we have gone through in the last two and a half years - it's inspiring to everybody to see them go through not just the pandemic but this natural disaster," Panciuk said.  "To be able to have a new fresh start today gives us all hope.  It's a real testament to what they are doing."

Dale  Hoard, vice president of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce echoed Panciuk's sentiments on how 'great it is to see a local business overcome challenges.'

"It is a beautiful spot," he said.  "They have put a lot of work, sweat and tears into this. I have no doubt they will be as successful here as they were downtown.  It's a fabulous story."

Belleville councillors, Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams, Susan Smith from Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith's office, The Belleville Chamber of Commerce and Trenval were also in attendance.