A Mexican restaurant is the stepping-off property for a new commercial development in Maricopa.

Riliberto’s Fresh Mexican Food is scheduled to open in March or April, according to Bryan Ledbetter of Western Retail Advisors, which is developing the lot on the southeast corner of John Wayne Parkway and Hathaway Avenue. The property south of Maricopa Self Storage has long been known in city development paperwork as Maricopa Town Plaza.

Ledbetter named other companies expected to fill in the area, as well. They include Hampton Inn, Goodyear Tire and Maricopa Vet Clinic, he said.

“We will have 1,365 square feet of space next to Riliberto’s with a patio for lease,” Ledbetter said.

An as-yet unnamed fast-food restaurant “specializing in chicken” is in negotiations for a pad next to Riliberto’s.

A Mexican eatery has been part of development paperwork on that property for years, back to when the land was attached to Holiday Inn Express.