Locally owned Cactus Restaurant will open in Bellevue Square in the space previously occupied by Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, which will close Jan. 31, 2013.

Cactus is expected to open in June.

Since opening their first restaurant in Madison Park in 1990, the brother team of Bret and Marc Chatalas has grown to serve Southwestern and Mexican cuisines in restaurants in Kirkland, South Lake Union and Alki Beach. The restaurant also is known for opening Seattle’s first tapas bar.

Born and raised in Bellevue, the family was eager to bring their successful restaurant home.

“We love what Bellevue has become and we were excited with the prospect of being part of the ongoing transformation,” says Marc Chatalas. “We always had our eye on Bellevue, but did not want to take the leap until we found the right location and when we felt that Bellevue was ready for Cactus. When we learned the Z’Tejas location at The Bellevue Collection was available, we immediately saw the potential.”

This 6,400 square foot restaurant is still being designed but is expected to be fashioned after an urban Mexican neighborhood restaurant. Similar to its other Puget Sound locations, Chatalas plans ongoing customer events.

“We love engaging our guests outside of the typical restaurant experience,” he says. “We post recipes and “how-to” videos on our Facebook page and are passionate about tequila. We look for chances to educate and have fun teaching our guests. The Bellevue location will provide us with the room we need to meet and have fun with our guests.”

Kemper Development sees Cactus as a perfect choice for the location.

“As a family owned and local restaurant, Cactus will spice up the dining scene in downtown Bellevue with its amazing menu and welcoming atmosphere,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president/marketing, Kemper Development Company. “The innovation and unique flavors they bring to their restaurants will be a perfect addition to our distinctive offering at The Bellevue Collection.”