Two years seemed to melt away when Casa Real opened for business Monday morning.

It has been almost exactly that long since the Mexican restaurant's predecessor, Casa Del Rey, closed its doors. Many of Casa Real's first lunch-time diners were regulars at the old restaurant - and they were greeted by some of the same staff.

"We're really happy to be back seeing the familiar faces," said Jon Sharp, who managed the former restaurant and is co-owner of Casa Real. "We really missed everyone."

Regulars like Jodi Bistodeau and Melanie Whiteaker missed them too.

They were so anxious for Casa to return, "we stopped by during construction," Whiteaker said.

On Monday, Whiteaker and Bistodeau traveled from Hill City with a friend, Jan Johnson, to eat lunch at Casa Real. They're thrilled that the new restaurant features the same menu and the same recipes (and even some of the same cooks) as Casa Del Rey.

"Chimichangas are my favorite," Whiteaker said. "I haven't had one since they closed down."

"I have to disagree," Bistodeau said with a smile. "It's the chile rellenos."

Both agreed on one thing.

"There is no Casa anything without Jon," Whiteaker said. "It just wouldn't be the same."

For all its sameness, Casa Real has a different address and a whole new feel than Casa Del Rey. Diners pass through a huge, heavy wooden door into a high-ceilinged entry area, then around a corner to the first of four dining areas separated by partial walls. High ceilings add a spacious feel to the restaurant as well.

Hand-painted murals by Spearfish artist Karen Mahoney depict desert landscapes, a street scene and glimpses of blue "sky" outside tall windows. Sombreros, woven rugs, baskets and piñatas add to the décor.

With its connected cantina and large outdoor patio, Casa Real will be able to seat almost 250 people, Sharp said. The bar currently has a beer and wine license, but Sharp and business partner Norm Gary hope to add a liquor license.

Casa Del Rey closed April 15, 2006, after more than 30 years at the corner of Mount Rushmore Road and St. Patrick Street. Business had dropped off after several cases of Legionnaires' disease were traced to bacterium in the restaurant's decorative indoor fountain, which was immediately removed.

Casa Del Rey's owners, Jerry Willits and Dave Henry, sold the land to Walgreens, and a new drug store was built on the site.

After Casa Del Rey closed, Sharp and Gary joined forces to form GS Corp. and began working to remodel the former Marble Club at 2315 Mount Rushmore Road into the new Casa Real. (The new restaurant does not have a fountain.)

The Black Hills Gold and Gifts shop next door still has a front street entrance. Restaurant customers can also wander through a small hallway into the store to browse.

Monday marked a fresh start for Sharp, Gary and their staff of almost 100 people.

"We're really happy with how it turned out," Sharp said, pausing to greet former customers as he walked through the restaurant.

Whiteaker and Bistodeau agreed.

"Everything was top-notch," Whiteaker told Sharp. "You'll see us a lot. We're back."

So is Casa Real.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com

If you go

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. The menu features Mexican favorites such as fajitas and enchiladas, as well as salads and sandwiches.

Casa Real's number is 791-CASA (2272).