On Thursday, December 19th, Bandidos the new Mexican concept restaurant being proposed by Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim (the creative business team behind the well-regarded LGBT sports bar Hi Tops), received the go ahead from the SF Planning Commission. The Planning Commission granted the new venture its unanimous blessing without even having a hearing on the matter after no objections were presented by any neighbor, group or merchant association to the local entrepreneurs proposal. This Castro Christmas miracle allows the team to push on with their plans for the restaurant. As we posted a few weeks ago the eatery, a sit down Mexican themed restaurant, is forecast to be an alternative to the other local Mexican taquerias by offering expanded waiter service - 80 seats in all between inside and outside dining - and an innovative, fresh 21st century take on South of the Border cuisine. The Hi Tops crew scored the lease and liquor license from property owner Leticia Luna who operated Leticia's, a Mexican restaurant along Market St. at two different locations, for decades. That means the margaritas will flow during operating hours. Having a full bar is a luxury point between this new venture and other established and notable local, family-owned small businesses like the well loved Chilango, Zapata Taqueria or Casa Mexicana. The goal right now is to have the spot open and running come LGBT Pride 2014. We'll keep you apprised as work progresses.