Maria’s Mexican Restaurant has a rich history, beginning in 1988 when Maria and Randy Braglia opened their first location in Elmwood Park. Over the years, the restaurant gained a loyal following, leading to the opening of a second location near Rosemont/O’Hare in 1992. As the original Elmwood Park location became too small to accommodate its growing customer base, they seized the opportunity to purchase a larger venue at 1905 N. Harlem Ave., which had previously housed other restaurants.