With a career that began as a busboy at the Ramada, then had him working around the country developing fast food restaurants, Robert Cross returns to Venice to manage the launch of a new Mexican drive-thru or dine-in restaurant. Opening late March or early April, to be determined by the intensive training of new employees, is Tomatillo’s Fresh Mex on Commercial Court near McDonald’s at the Jacaranda I-75 interchange.

“When you walk in the door, you are going to be blown away,” Cross said. “Our focus is putting together a beautiful place, terrific food and recipes, served by friendly employees.”