A rooted Tamaqua business has already begun the celebration for its soon-to-be silver anniversary.

To commemorate its eventual 25-year milestone, Sister’s Cantina has planned a yearlong celebration.Located at 1315 E. Broad St., the business was established on Nov. 27, 1992, according to owner Cary Bates.In advance of its anticipated occasion, Bates said the business kicked off its year’s worth festivities Nov. 27, and will continue the observance all the way through Nov. 27, 2017.The business specializes in Mexican food, though Bates it also sells a lot of American fare, such as sandwiches, wraps, wings, cheesesteaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and traditional barbecued foods.It also features several specials throughout the week. Mondays are shrimp night, Tuesdays are taco night, Wednesdays are wing night, and Thursdays are Thirsty Thursday, he said.Bates said the business also has more than 150 varieties of craft beer available.“Our original plan was to have a six-pack shop with some food,” Bates said.Bates said he’s been working in the restaurant industry since he was 18 years old, and believes he has a firm handle on what it takes to succeed.“Good employees, good area, hard work, dedication, commitment, and enjoyment of what you’re doing,” he said. “I enjoy cooking. I enjoy the business; it’s constantly changing.”Bates said takeouts are available, though they do not do home deliveries.“We do a decent amount of takeout,” he said. “It helps that we’re right on the edge of the highway.”Bates said most of his business is through word of mouth, adding that the bulk of customers are from Tamaqua, Nesquehoning, Summit Hill, Lehighton and Pottsville.“People like the Mexican food, wings, craft beer,” he said. “I try to touch as many different bases as I can without stretching myself too thin.”Customers also like the environment as well, said Bates, who noted the business has upward of 20 employees.“We have good employees, and the customers enjoy the atmosphere,” he said. “My turnover is not the norm in this industry; good people tend to stay.”Bates said customers never have to feel rushed to get in and get out.“People like to come in and have their own time and space,” he said. “The place has a hometown feel, and a variety to keep people wanting to return.”Bates, who lives with his wife, Michelle, in West Penn Township, is a Tamaqua Area High School graduate who grew up in Hometown.“I’m very lucky and very thankful that I do what I do,” he said. “My kids work with me, my wife works with me, and our customers see that.”As he looks toward the future, Bates said his plan is to continue to reinvest in the building.Eventually, Bates said he would like to see the business expand to have an outside bar and tables for eating, and to be able to hold private parties and fundraisers outdoors.“There’s a need for that kind of thing,” he said. “I’d like to continue to grow the menu, expand the outside.”Sister’s Cantina is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11-10 Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.For more information, call

570-668-7837, or visit

siscantina02@gmail.com.