Rodeo. It can be pronounced (roe-DAY-oh), as it is in Spanish, like the posh street in Beverly Hills that harbors a West Coast fashion-mecca, or it can be pronounced (ROE-dee-oh), the form used primarily by English speakers to describe a horsemanship competition.

“However people want to say it is OK,” said a smiling Fidel Escalera, the manager of the family owned Rodeo Mexican Restaurant that is set to open by March 15 in Troy.

Either way you choose to pronounce it, get ready for what Escalera promises to be a fantastic dining experience.

“People will enjoy the food and the drinks,” Escalera said.

The Rodeo Mexican Restaurant is located in the Troy Plaza in front of the Courtyard Marriott and across from the Waffle House. The restaurant is part of a family owned chain that has been in lower Alabama for seven years with locations in Dothan, Enterprise and Ozark. Escalera said that a location in Troy had been in consideration for some time, but the opportunity to actually establish a restaurant there hadn’t presented itself until recently.

But now that opportunity has surfaced and Escalera has been obliged to take advantage.

“The city of Troy has been very supportive,” he said. “All the people in Troy have treated me very good.”

In return for the warm reception, Escalera plans to offer great food at a great price.

“We have a lot of options,” he said. “Whether you like Mexican style steak, burritos or tostadas we have everything.”

“Every day we’re going to have lunch and dinner specials,” Escalera added. “And Saturdays will be family and kids day.”

On those days youngsters will be able to choose any item off the kids menu for 99 cents with the purchase of a regular entree.

The Rodeo Mexican Restaurant will also offer some treats that are off limits to the kids.

“We’ll have happy hour from four to seven every day except Sunday,” Escalera said. “Beer or liquor will be half price, and we’ll have the best margaritas in town with mango, lime, strawberry and peach flavors.”

Escalera said he plans on putting in several hours at the restaurant, and he could use some more help.

“People are welcome to come in and fill out an application. We’re still hiring,” he said.

Escalera said people should expect to see an announcement of the official opening-day soon.

“We’re happy to serve the Troy community,” he said. “We urge people to come try us. We’re sure they’ll like it. We always put our customers first.”