Latino Themed Restaurant is Accepting Pesos in the US

Pizza for Pesos

A new Latino themed pizza restaurant opening in the Central Valley of California accepts Mexican pesos as a form of payment

FRESNO, Calif. – An eatery in California is not only accepting dollars for pizza. Now it's also accepting Mexican pesos.

Pizza Patron in Fresno, which has a booming Latino population, is hoping to draw customers from farther away than the Central Valley by accepting the Mexican currency.

"It’s a great opportunity for us to be able to introduce a unique concept of being able to use pesos to buy American food," said David Early, COO of Brand Development in California for Pizza Patron.

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"I think it’s unusual, I’ve never heard of any other states that accept pesos," said customer Daniel Orales.

At least five other stores in the United States already accept pesos, including some Walmart and Circle K convenient stores on border states.

"I think personally it’s a good thing. I don’t see why not," said resident Deanna Scott. "I think it will bring more revenue to our area and community for people who are bilingual. And I think it would be a wonderful opportunity and open some more doors."

"I have a bunch of pesos lying around from my frequent visits so I think it’s a good idea," said Lesli Galarza.

But some balk at the concept, believing American businesses should only accept U.S. dollars.

"I’m thinking we live in America, dollars are our currency and I think we need to keep it that way," said Fresno resident Cathy Carr.

Another resident said U.S. stores shouldn't accept currency from other countries.

"I don’t think it’s fair for other people," said Gene Ganadonegro.

Most of Pizza Patron's restaurants are located in the southwestern states. The company chose to expand to Fresno, where there is a large Hispanic population.

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"I do know that where we standing right now about 45 percent of the population of the 61,000 people within 2 miles of where we’re standing are Hispanic. We use those demographics to help us find locations to build our restaurants in," Early said.

The company has already had success in border cities like El Paso, Texas.

"I really think it's a good thing for the business since we are right close to the border," said Fresno resident Jessica Armendariz. "They can get more customers and enhance their business."

Pizza Patron hopes to continue this idea to draw more customers inside.

"The more people that come in my business the better," Early said. "Its not going to hurt my business if I take pesos and we’re just glad they’re here."

Michelle Macaluso is a Fox News.com Junior Reporter.