A liquor license for La Fogata Mexican Restaurant was approved Aug. 4 by the Savage City Council, which opens the door for improvements to be made to the former Pannekoeken Huis space at O’Connell Square at the intersection of O’Connell Road and County Road 42.

La Fogata, which means campfire, is owned by Juan Valencia, who also owns a restaurant by the same name in Willmar, Minn.

Gary Janesch, owner of O’Connell Square, said the restaurant and food are excellent and he’s looking forward to the interior improvements planned for the new restaurant.

La Fogata is expected to open by Oct. 1.