NORWICH – Business is booming in downtown Norwich with the opening of many new stores and restaurants.

With the new variety of cuisines to choose from – Italian, American, Chinese, Caribbean – now comes Southwestern with the opening of Hoofer’s Tex Mex Grill just a month ago. Owner Dan Matlack says he is doing good business, and people seem to enjoy the food.

Matlack, a native of Texas, has been in the area for six years and had always wanted to own his own business.

“I missed the food I grew up with and wanted to introduce it to the people here and see if they liked it too,” he said.

Matlack employs up to ten people, including a daytime cook who cooks the main lunch buffet and several waitresses.

“Everyone likes that the food is fresh and the portions are large,” waitress Jenna Roser said.