A longtime favorite in historic downtown Wake Forest is preparing to welcome guests once again. The beloved Mexican restaurant formerly known as Las Margaritas will soon reopen as Las Mas, returning with the same familiar faces and beloved dishes, but with an entirely transformed interior designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the community.
After more than two decades serving Wake Forest residents, owner Freddy Roman closed the restaurant in October 2024 to allow for a major renovation of the building and upgrades to the space. Now, after months of work behind the scenes, Roman and his team are preparing to reopen the restaurant with a rejuvenated concept that honors its legacy while introducing a new chapter.
Roman first opened Las Margaritas in 2002, and over the years, the restaurant became a gathering place for families, students, and visitors in downtown Wake Forest.
“Wake Forest is where we grew,” Roman said. “The business was always successful because of the community. The restaurant became like an icon for Wake Forest — a place for people to come together.”
When the restaurant closed for renovations, the outpouring of support from the community left a lasting impression.
“One of the memories that will always stay with me is our last days before closing,” Roman said. “There were lines outside for two and a half hours just for people to come say goodbye. People were crying, writing letters, and even seminary students told us they couldn’t believe we were closing. It really showed how much the restaurant meant to everyone.”
The restaurant’s new name, Las Mas, reflects both a fresh start and a familiar nickname many longtime customers already use when referring to the restaurant.
While the name has evolved, Roman says many of the elements guests love will remain the same. The menu will continue to feature many of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, while introducing upgraded ingredients and an expanded bar experience.
“We’re keeping our most popular dishes but improving the ingredients and adding new options,” Roman said. “We’ve also upgraded the bar with more variety, fresh flavored margaritas, and a full bar. It’s a space where people will want to sit, relax, and enjoy a drink.”
The restaurant’s transformation extends beyond the menu. The newly redesigned interior blends the historic character of the building with a more modern dining experience.
Local designer Elizabeth Johnson, who led the interior redesign, worked to preserve the building’s architectural features while introducing new design elements that add warmth and character to the space.
“During demolition, we uncovered exposed ceiling beams and brick walls, and we wanted to keep that texture as part of the design,” Johnson said. “Because it’s a Mexican restaurant, we kept that influence in mind but aimed to create a more elevated experience than before.”
One of the most noticeable additions is the newly expanded bar area, which now serves as a focal point within the restaurant.
“The bar is much larger than before, and we increased seating throughout the space,” Johnson said. “We also incorporated wallpaper and design elements that give a subtle nod to Mexican culture without feeling cliché.”
Renovating a historic downtown building often presents unique challenges, particularly when working within an existing footprint.
“The biggest challenge is always making everything work within a confined space,” Johnson said. “There are limitations with historic buildings, but it’s very rewarding when you’re able to bring new life into a space while preserving its character.”
As both the designer and local property owner, Johnson says investing in spaces that support successful local businesses plays an important role in the vitality of downtown Wake Forest.
“As a local property owner, it’s always rewarding to invest in spaces that bring great businesses to downtown,” Johnson said. “Las Mas has been a favorite in the community for years, and we were excited to renovate the space to help bring that energy back to historic Wake Forest. When local businesses succeed, it strengthens the entire downtown district.”
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), weighs in, “Longstanding businesses are the backbone of a vibrant downtown. They carry the history, relationships, and sense of place that you simply can’t replicate. From an economic standpoint, they also bring stability and trust—but just as importantly, they create identity. Places like Las Mas become part of how people experience a community, and that’s what gives downtown Wake Forest its authentic character.”
For Roman, the reopening represents a meaningful return to the community that helped the restaurant grow.
Many of the restaurant’s longtime employees are also returning, something Roman says makes the reopening especially meaningful.
“We have a lot of the same employees coming back,” Roman said. “For me personally, it feels like going back to our roots. We grew with this community, and coming back to serve the same people again is the most exciting part.”
As the renovation nears completion, Roman says customers have already expressed excitement about the restaurant’s return.
“We’ve had people try to peek inside already,” he said. “They’re amazed at how different it looks. Everything has changed for the better — it’s a modern, warm atmosphere that really invites people to come in and stay awhile.”
Most importantly, Roman says the reopening is about reconnecting with the community that supported the restaurant for so many years.
“There’s something special about Wake Forest,” he said. “When we closed, it was very sad for us. We knew we wanted to come back. Now we’re excited to reopen and welcome everyone back.”
Opening details and a grand reopening celebration will be announced soon. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow Las Mas on social media or check the Discover Wake Forest website for updates on the official reopening date.
