GUN BARREL CITY -- One of the oldest restaurants on Cedar Creek Lake is now its newest, and the food is still top drawer. Hector's Mexican Food Restaurant and Club opened up in the old Ranch House Restaurant after it closed early this summer. Longtime lake residents cheered because the new owner was the old chef at the Ranch House for 25 years. Athens Daily Review columnist Kathi Nailling praised the restaurant and its owner in a conversation soon after the Ranch House closed and Hector's opened. "The food is great, and Hector is so nice," Nailling said. "I am so happy for him." That appears to be the sentiment of many because Hector's parking lot seems to be packed at both lunch and dinner daily. A visit to the restaurant this week revealed what is attracting so much business. The restaurant's atmosphere is pleasant, the dining room is exceedingly clean and the food is both beautiful and delicious. The name indicates the speciality of the restaurant is Mexican food, but don't let that deter anyone who is in the mood for something else. The weekend specials are grilled salmon, fillet mignon and prime rib. On Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., the special is turkey and dressing. The menu also includes fried catfish, homemade meatloaf, steaks, chicken breasts and blackened tilapia. If you are in the mood for Mexican food, then Hector's is certainly the right place to be. The offerings are Shrimp Hector, Steak Ranchero, Chicken Ala Parilla, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, soups and salads. There is even a vegetarian fajitas on the menu. So if you want to go somewhere old and comfortable but new at the same time, go say hello to Hector. Hector's is at 1900 W. Main St., Gun Barrel, TX 75156, 903-887-1179. The hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.