Liberal restaurant that was forced stop painting exterior pink temporarily is now open

LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW) – Sunday is Cinco de Mayo, which makes this the perfect weekend for a fresh start for an authentic Mexican restaurant and ice cream shop.

That is the hope for the owners of Chikas Fresas in Liberal.

The owners of the Liberal restaurant bought the building in 2023. Their plan to give the building a fresh coat of pink paint nearly did not happen when the city told them its zoning code did not allow it. The owners fought back with the support of the mayor , and the code was repealed .

Now Chikas Fresas is ready to bring some color to Liberal.

“So the pink, it, of course, comes from our name, Chikas Fresas. We wanted to bring something different; we have traveled around California, New York, Vegas, and we would see restaurants that were themed pink,” said Citlaly Reyes, the daughter of the restaurant’s owner.

Reyes says she wants people to feel like they are not in Liberal when they visit.

“We want you to feel like you’re outside because I know our town is very small, so we have very little restaurants, or very little attractions, places to go to, and it’s a getaway from home. We want everybody to feel welcomed,” said Reyes.

She thanks everyone for their patience in the process and for their support.

The battle over the paint was not their only obstacle on the way to the big moment. They also had to deal with the theft of some kitchen equipment.

Chikas Fresas is located at 210 S. Kansas Ave. According to Google , the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

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