TYLER, Texas — Food, food, food that’s what’s on people’s minds when they drive into the city of Tyler on the weekends. It's become an important staple of the city's growing economy and tourism.
"It’s vital, the restaurant community here is growing and ever changing,"
said Vice President of Marketing for the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Sheridan Smith. "When a tourist comes to Tyler the first thing they want to know is where can I go? Where's a great place to eat? Where can I take my family?"
Smith said people flock to downtown Tyler for live music and food. She said on weekends there is always activity at ETX Brewing Company, Rick's on the Square and other downtown restaurants.
"People are always so excited to go and then spend their evening and Andy's at the end," Smith said.
Downtown Tyler isn’t the only area that has busy restaurants during the weekend. Within the city, a new restaurant named INKA’s Peruvian Latin Cuisine opened up over the weekend.
The owner is also the chef himself and didn’t have time to speak with CBS19, but one customer who's from Peru said the food meet her expectations.
"I'm very happy that a Peruvian restaurant came to Tyler, Texas and I'm so happy to have some part of my country here so I can come anytime I want," said Tyler resident Jessica Allred.
Allred said she saw the restaurant’s commercial on television and had to try it with her husband where they determined it was delicious.
Another new restaurant near Loop 323 and Broadway Avenue named Ichiban Ramen just launched its soft opening on Thursday. The owner Abi Ismanto said he learned a lot about Japanese and Korean culture while living in Denver and is using this restaurant to bring it to Tyler.
"We really care about the broth because Japanese food is about the broth, and the noodles," Ismanto said. "Then the toppings are like a decoration spot. It's all really important. It's all connected."
Ichiban Ramen will host its grand opening on May 2, but until then the restaurant is open and ready to welcome the public.