In the fall of 2023, a new energy began stirring amidst the rhythm of Statesboro’s Blue Mile — fast, fresh and full of flavor. That energy was Azul Tex-Mex, the vision of Lorena Cisneros, and entrepreneur who saw both a gap and an opportunity in the local food scene.

Inspired by the pace and variety of Georgia’s larger cities, Lorena noticed that Statesboro lacked a quick-service restaurant that offered authentic, flavorful food without sacrificing quality. 

“I would visit other cities and see their food scenes thriving, especially with fast but real Tex-Mex options,” she said. “I knew Statesboro had room for something fresh — something fast-paced but still rooted in culture and tradition.”

With that in mind, Azul Tex-Mex opened its doors in October 2023. The name "Azul" — the Spanish word for blue — honors its location on the Blue Mile, while “Tex-Mex” describes the menu’s creative fusion of authentic Mexican dishes with comforting Texas-style classics.

A menu with a mission

Lorena is intentional in planning the restaurant’s menu, which features dishes that blend tradition with something new.

“We listen to what customers like and what they’re asking for,” she said. “But it’s also about finding that balance — what’s delicious, but also efficient to prepare.”

The results speak for themselves. One item in particular, Azul’s rich, slow-cooked birria tacos, have been a fan favorite since their debut. 

“People LOVE birria,” Lorena said. 

Other top contenders are the Taco Meal and the Blue Mile Quesadilla, which trade spots as runner-up, depending on the week. From burritos to Texas rice, every meal is designed to feel both familiar and exciting — a blend of cultures on a plate.

And behind each one of those plates is a team Lorena doesn’t take for granted.

“We’ve been blessed with a hardworking staff,” she said. “They’re self-motivated, constantly asking for more hours, and they genuinely care. We do our part to take care of them — with fair pay, respect and appreciation.”

For Lorena, creating that kind of thriving restaurant culture was just as important as the food itself. 

“Azul wouldn’t be what it is without our team,” she said. “Yes, money matters — but so does feeling valued. That’s how you build something that lasts.”

All in on open air

Azul’s all-outdoor layout adds to the restaurant’s charm — but it also brings its share of challenges, especially with Georgia’s unpredictable weather.

“We try to be flexible,” Lorena said. “On rainy days, we use DoorDash or even deliver food to customers' cars when we can. When it’s hot, we bring out fans and umbrellas to keep it cool. We’re always thinking about how we can make our guests comfortable.”

Still, when the weather’s right, the experience is hard to beat. When asked to describe a perfect night at Azul, Lorena begins by setting the stage: It’s a Saturday evening, 78 degrees, with a light breeze. 

“There’s live music playing,” she continues. “The line is long enough to check out the menu without feeling rushed. You order your drink at the food window — our bartender’s already mixing it while you pick your food. By the time you’re seated, your drink’s waiting. Then it’s just you, good food, music and the night sky. That’s the vibe.”

Rooted in community

In just a few short years, Azul has become a place where culture, community and creativity collide. But perhaps the most powerful aspect of Azul’s journey is the connection it has built with the people of Statesboro.

“The most rewarding part is when someone comes up to me at the store or in public and says, ‘I love your food,’” Lorena said. “That’s when you realize it’s not just about the restaurant; it’s about people.”

Azul’s recognition by this year’s Readers’ Choice voters as Best Lunch and Best Place for Outdoor Dining only serves to reinforce that connection, and it reinvigorates the restaurant’s dedication to its mission since day one: to bring bold Mexican flavors coupled with American-style favorites to the heart of Statesboro.

“It wasn’t just a win for me,” she said. “It was a win for the brand, our customers and the staff that give their all every day. It proves that staying humble, putting in the work and staying consistent really does pay off.”

When it comes to plans for improvements and new additions, Lorena says she relies on customer feedback as she looks to the future.

“We try to see things through their eyes,” she said. “What’s missing? What can we make better? We’re always evolving.”

It’s precisely that mindset in which all the things that set Azul apart are allowed to flourish — the people behind the counter, the guests under the string lights, and the sense that at Azul, everyone’s welcome.

“To our customers and community: Thank you,” Lorena said. “You trusted us when we were just a small name with a big dream. You showed up, told your friends, came back again and again. Because of you, Azul has grown far beyond what I imagined. We promise to keep working, keep improving and keep showing up — for you.”