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February 21, 2024
STURGEON BAY — There will soon be a new restaurant nestled at the entrance of Door County.
Gloria’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant — located at 23 W. Oak St. in Sturgeon Bay — will host a soft opening March 11, with a grand opening set for March 17.
The restaurant is co-owned by German and Nerymar Ramirez and their business partner, Fernando Rangel.
Not only will Gloria’s offer authentic Mexican fare, but, according to the owners, also highlight culture, strong work ethic and family memories through food.
A passion for the service industry
The Ramirezes are no stranger to entrepreneurship — owners of multiple Morning Glory restaurant locations in Door County, including Morning Glory of Door County, Morning Glory By the Bay and Morning Glory on Baileys.
Nerymar and German said they both have backgrounds filled with diverse cuisines.
The couple said relocating to the United States in 2007 with their families led them to enter the service industry and eventually inspired them to pursue business ownership.
“My family and I moved from Puerto Rico in 2007, and my husband moved here from Mexico that same year,” Nerymar said. “We wanted a better work opportunity and lifestyle and Wisconsin was the place for that to happen.”
The Ramirezes said they have been involved in the restaurant industry since 2010.
“We fell in love with the service industry and now are blessed to own four locations,” Nerymar said.
Though they already owned other restaurants, Nerymar said they were inspired by their culture to bring a different type of restaurant to the Door County area.
Gloria’s is co-owned by German and Nerymar Ramirez and business partner Fernando Rangel. Submitted Photo
“We felt there was a need for a Mexican restaurant in Door County, and we were up for the challenge,” she said. “My husband, German, our partner manager Fernando and myself are all excited for this new journey.”
Honor in the name
For the Ramirezes, deciding to open the restaurant was about more than adding a business venture to their portfolio, it was a way to honor German’s mother, Gloria.
“The story behind the name is a tribute to my husband’s mom who passed away 11 years ago at the early age of 42,” Nerymar said. “We wanted to do something in memory of her and her passion for cooking delicious Mexican food.”
Growing up in Mexico, German said he spent many hours cooking in the kitchen with his mom.
By preparing some of her recipes in the restaurant, he said he will be able to share her specialties with the community, while at the same time reminiscing about his childhood.
“German remembers toasting chiles in the pan and making some delicious homemade salsas and cooking a lot of carne asada in the summertime,” Nerymar said.
A true taste of Mexico
Many of the recipes that will line the menus at Gloria’s, Nerymar said, reflect the food culture of Chihuahua and Michoacan, Mexico — though other areas of Mexico will be represented, too.
“We will be offering a delicious selection of authentic Mexican food,” she said.
Guests can order from a wide range of classics — all items carefully selected by the ownership team.
“I am excited about the pollo Chihuahua — (which features grilled chicken breast with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, crumble bacon and topped with a sharp Chihuahua cheese and poblano sauce),” Nerymar said.
Nerymar said her husband is looking forward to also offering la TampiqueÒa — a popular Mexican meat dish.
She said Fernando has planned out many savory seafood selections as well.
“We want everyone who comes to Gloria’s to have a positive experience and to leave happy, full and satisfied,” Nerymar said. “We want to provide customers with delicious food and also exceptional service.”
A space to celebrate
The space, Nerymar said, will also provide a place for customers to relax, have fun and celebrate.
“Gloria’s is a spacious building with seating for about 150 guests,” she said.
Walking in, Nerymar said guests are greeted by a bar area with glass shelving perched upon windows and plenty of TVs to watch sports — a must in Green Bay Packers territory.
Nearby, a neon pink sign hangs on the wall, which says: “Feed me tacos and tell me I am pretty.”
A neon pink sign hangs on the wall of Gloria’s, which says: “Feed me tacos and tell me I am pretty.” Jennifer Much Photo
Up the stairs, Nerymar said, is a continuation of the dining area with additional seating.
“We went with a more modern design as opposed to the traditional Mexican colorful theme that people are used to,” she said. “It’s more of a clean look, and we hope people can enjoy it.”
The dining area, Nerymar said, also houses a stage.
“We are hoping to be able to bring in live music on the weekends soon for our guests,” she said.
Nerymar said not only will this provide entertainment for the restaurant’s patrons, but it also provides a space for Door County musicians to perform.
Completing final preparations
As final preparations are made in the restaurant, the owners said they are excited to finally open the doors.
“We are looking forward to the opening of Gloria’s and hope everyone enjoys the food and atmosphere,” Nerymar said. “We hope this is a fun and enjoyable spot for everyone in the family.”
As of right now, Gloria’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant will be the only Gloria’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant location Nerymar said, however, she feels Door County is the perfect place to open.
“We have lived here since 2010 and love Door County,” she said. “The people are so nice and welcoming. We couldn’t think of a better location than Door County.”
For more information, follow Gloria’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant on Facebook.
