The opening of Dos Amigos II in Wallkill has drawn enthusiastic response from Town of Shawangunk officials who hope the new restaurant will spur more development in the downtown area of the hamlet.

The restaurant was already packed with hungry customers sampling traditional Mexican food when it held its grand opening March 1 at 33 Wallkill Avenue.

Town officials were joined by Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and the restaurant’s owners as they cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the official opening of the much-anticipated eatery.
“It’s a welcome addition to our town,” Supervisor John Valk said. “I hope they’re very successful in the coming years.”

The opening was a festive one inside the restaurant as a mariachi ensemble serenaded the large crowd of well-wishers and customers.

Councilman Alex Danon, a member of the Town Board’s Economic Development and Revitalization Committee, said he was excited to see the newly remodeled restaurant open after the site had been vacant for years.

“We have quite a few nice restaurants in the hamlet, but to give the community more variety and have some authentic Mexican food is a great thing,” Danon said. “It was exciting to drive by this weekend and see that it was packed. It’s good for the town’s economy. Instead of going to Middletown or Newburgh for different dining options, they can stay in town. Hopefully, they eat here and go to other businesses.”

Danon said there had been several markets and a café at the site over the years.

Sy Mujovic, a Pine Bush real estate broker who represents restaurant owner Reynaldo Godinez, said he had worked with Godinez to open several restaurants in the Hudson Valley. Dos Amigos I is located in Middletown and he owns another eatery in Pine Bush.

Mujovic said the opening of the restaurant was delayed after the building burned down in 2019 shortly after Godinez purchased the property.

“It took some time and it’s practically all brand new again,” Mujovic said. “We brought it back to life. He also owns restaurants in New Jersey. They specialize in authentic cuisines of real Mexican food.”

Mujovic, who has been selling real estate in the area for 21 years, is hoping the new Mexican restaurant will help bring back crowds to the downtown area of the hamlet.

“This building was closed down for a while and it was sad because I remember years ago how busy it was,” he said. “There was a clam bar across the street and it was a hopping place. But it just kind of died down. When the market crashed, businesses started closing and it took years to come back. It’s nice to see that local businesses are opening up now and doing well, especially restaurants.”

Mujovic said Dos Amigos II opened four days before the ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 1.

“The feedback we’re getting is excellent,” he said. “The food is delicious, the service is great and the prices are affordable. What we’re hearing from the local residents is that it’s about time. I think he (Godinez) pretty much lit up this section of town. There’s life again.”