New Bar and Mexican Restaurant Planned for East Lansing This Summer

In 2025, the Greater Lansing area saw over 50 different restaurants open their doors.

In 2026, the Lansing restaurant boom seems to be continuing. We've had over 15 restaurants open, with still more on the way. Now we have another one to add to the list.

Lansing’s Restaurant Boom Isn’t Slowing Down

The latest addition to the "coming soon" list for Lansing restaurants is El Camino Garage Bar.

This new venture that's being spearheaded by Stacey Wesolek. If you've spent any time at the Tin Can in Downtown Lansing, I'm sure you've run into Stacey before. She's worked in the restaurant world for more than two decades, so she knows what she's doing when it comes to bars, restaurants, and service.

The Vision Behind El Camino Garage Bar

The idea for El Camino Garage Bar was inspired by Stacey's friend, Felipe Pesina, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022 at the age of 36. Stacey and Felipe always talked and dreamed about starting a place of their own. Now, Stacey is bringing that dream to life.

Where and When is El Camino Garage Bar Opening?

With a name inspired by the neon green 1986 El Camino Felipe used to drive, El Camino Garage Bar is opening in the Hannah Plaza in East Lansing, in the former location of Gourmet Village Chinese (which has been vacant for several years). It's located along the same side as Square One and Pizza House.

When it opens, El Camino Garage Bar will be a full-service bar and fast-casual Mexican restaurant with something on the menu for everyone—nachos, tacos, margaritas, and more. Don't forget the chips and salsa! Another way that Stacey plans to honor Felipe is to source the chips and salsa from Felipe's family's store - Handy's Mexican Market & Deli off Willow Street in Lansing.

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When it comes to the grand opening, there's no exact opening date yet. However, Stacey does hope to open sometime this summer. When it does open, you'll be able to see all the progress that's being made.

The custom bar top you see is being made by Ed Wesolek (project lead), Jim Kodet (laser imaging), Chuck Wesolek, and Carl Wesolek (contractors, All Thumbs LLC).