Culture through flavor: New restaurant opens in Kaukauna

Jennifer Much

Contributor

April 18, 2024

KAUKAUNA – When Patty and Pablo Garcia met in the late 1970s while growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, never did they imagine they would be where they are today – living in the United States, celebrating 35 years of marriage, having five grown children and two grandchildren and being business owners.

As the proud owners of the recently opened Patty & Pablo’s: A Family Restaurant in Kaukauna, the Garcias said their goal is to showcase their culture through a fusion of flavors that brings family and friends together.

A lifelong dream
Pablo said he has many memories of working in the kitchen, many of which have shaped his passion for cooking.

“Every Sunday was carne asada Sunday, and I would grill for everyone, cooking my salmon with vegetables and rice,” he said.

Pablo said he spent many years crafting his techniques and paid close attention to details as he began bringing his dishes to life.

As his skills grew, he said so, too, did his desire to own a restaurant – a path he knew would require hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

In 1996, Pablo said a job opportunity brought him to the United States – seeking a better life for himself and his young family, who were still living in Mexico at the time.

The remaining Garcias were able to join Pablo in the United States shortly after – reuniting with him in Wisconsin in 2000.

“I have lived with my family in the Fox Cities for more than 24 years,” he said. “I have an extensive restaurant background, so owning a restaurant has been our dream since coming to the U.S.”

Before taking the leap himself, Pablo said he worked in the kitchens of a handful of local restaurants, including Sunrise Family Restaurant and SAP.

Thanks to his culinary expertise and personal experiences, he said family mealtimes quickly became the epicenter of inspiration behind his restaurant idea.

“Cooking is a family event at our house, and the dinner table always brings us together,” he said. “We wanted to share the feeling of sitting down for delicious food with loved ones.”

Patty said she shares her husband’s passion for cooking and bringing her culinary talents to the table.

She said she attended cooking school in Mexico and learned to make a variety of dishes, many of which are on the menu.

“My parents were dedicated to selling food – from tacos to the best classic gorditas,” she said. “So, I followed the tradition and always loved to cook homemade meals for my kids and continue to do so.”

Patty said one family favorite includes her crepes stuffed with chicken and topped with mole verde with a side of white rice.

A fusion of culture
The Garcias said the restaurant’s menu is filled with family recipes – describing the options as a”family fusion” experience, with every item having meaning.

“We wanted to offer classic American breakfasts and delicious homestyle Mexican cooking, all in one place,” Pablo said. “Some of the items, like the horchata latte, are the perfect blend of cultures.”

From pancakes and sandwiches to salads and sopes, Pablo said “we wanted to have something everyone would love.”
The restaurant, he said, also has a kids’ menu.

Of all the menu options, the Garcias said they are especially excited to offer gorditas because it reminds them of life back home in Mexico.

“The gorditas are little pockets of cheesy goodness the family adores, and we’re hoping everyone does, too,” Patty said.

Aside from inspiring the dishes on the menu, Pablo said the entire Garcia family will play a role in the new business venture.

Patty & Pablo’s has a variety of authentic Mexican menu items, including sopes, which consists of fried corn masa with refried black beans, queso fresco, lime crema and lettuce. Jennifer Much Photo

“Every role in the restaurant at the start is going to be filled by a family member,” he said. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach – the support of the family has been invaluable.”

Pablo and Patty said they will man the kitchen, while other family members plan to help bus tables, clean and assist customers – each position as important as the next.

“Everyone in the family has a role to play in making this a success,” Pablo said.

Opening the doors
Patty and Pablo’s: A Family Restaurant, located at 145 E. 2nd St., officially opened to the public April 20.

“We want to serve the most delicious food possible, with a calm atmosphere and welcoming environment we hope our guests will love,” Pablo said.

Just as the restaurant’s menu items hold special meaning to the Garcia’s, Pablo said so, too, does its location.

“Kaukauna has always held a special place in our hearts as we have celebrated a lot of special events at the Kaukauna Community Room,” he said. “So, when we saw a space for lease in the area, everything seemed to align perfectly.”

Pablo said they plan to attend the local farmers’ market this year to help introduce more people to their food.

“This has been a family dream – we are feeling excited for the new challenge in life and grateful for the support,” he said. “We hope people enjoy our food and we can make their experience here one where they will keep coming back.”

For more information, check out Patty and Pablo’s: A Family Restaurant on Facebook or visitpattyandpablos.com.