Latin restaurant Malo has a new owner who will keep the margaritas and tacos flowing

Malo, the Latin restaurant in downtown Des Moines, plans to reopen under new management.

The restaurant from Orchestrate Hospitality officially closes after business on Saturday night. Then new owner Todd Millang, who has been an investor in the restaurant since 2018, takes over. The restaurant will close until May 3, when it reopens after a deep cleaning, maintenance and repairs.

“The outpouring of support on social media when we first announced the closing was a motivating factor to save Malo,” Millang said in a news statement. “For the past decade, Paul (Rottenberg) and George (Formaro) created and developed a great concept. It’s amazing to know that their passion and hard work will continue on as we serve the same great food and fantastic drinks you love.”

Millang — who owns the RoCA and Johnny’s Hall of Fame, both on Court Avenue in Des Moines, as well as the historic Fire Station No. 1, the building that houses Malo — plans to retain a majority of the front-of-house and kitchen staff. He brings on partner Juvencio Ramirez, who owns Viva Mexican Restaurant on Grand Avenue at the border of West Des Moines, and general manager Callin Prieskorn.

The menu will not change, Millang told the Des Moines Register. The menu features a roster of 16 street tacos from Portobello or codfish frito to seared beef tenderloin to al pastor. Roasted beef barbacoa, roast pork carnitas and a vegan burrito are among the entrees.

Diners can still stop by for lunch and dinner.

Malo originally opened in May 2014 in the former art deco Firehouse No. 1 at 900 Mulberry St. in Des Moines. That space was converted into the Des Moines Social Club. Diners adored the bright colors and mural of the Mexican masked wrestler known as El Huracan Ramirez by Mark Flores that encompassed one wall.

Where to find Malo

Location: 900 Mulberry St., Des Moines

Contact: 515-244-5000 or malodesmoines.com

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.