Mata grew up in Oshkosh, and has lived in Wisconsin all his life. His family is from San Jose de la Paz in Jalisco, Mexico, a state famous for its tequila. And that's why he chose the name Blue Agave, the plant from which tequila is distilled.

"Where I'm from, Jalisco, we drink a lot of tequila," he said. "We're known for tequila. That's actually where the plant grows the best. It's something that reminds me of back home."

Growing up, Mata has strong memories of driving through Jalisco, and seeing rows and rows of blue agave. "Every time I'm going home I'm looking forward to seeing fields of that. It's a beautiful blue plant."

Lopez calls Mata an expert on making homemade margaritas and other tequila drinks, and said he's going to handle that aspect of the restaurant.

The former Bayou is in good shape physically and just in need of some minor remodeling, Mata said. It's getting new light fixtures, a paint job and some bar renovations.