About
El Zarape
- Esta. 1967 -
Our History
Phyllis and Manuel Garcia, Sr. founded El Zarape Mexican Restaurant out of a deep love for traditional Mexican food that is fresh, healthy and authentic.
The obstacles Mama Phyllis overcame were great, but she was determined to realize her life-long dream of entrepreneurism long before it was a thing. With no formal education, business experience or financing, she rounded up pots and pans from her own kitchen and established a small, commercial kitchen and along with Papa Manuel opened the doors to the original El Zarape Mexican Restaurant in 1967.
Although Mexican cuisine was relatively unknown in Western Kansas in that era, Mama Phyllis's instincts told her that people from near and far would make it a point to stop at El Zarape Mexican Restaurant to experience a wholesome meal with roots from way down south. Along with her eldest daughter, Lupe, and other family members, they began what was to become a family legacy. Eventually, most of her children and grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, have taken a turn in the business whether it be in management, cooking or prepping in the kitchen, washing dishes or busing tables.
El Zarape was the first Mexican food restaurant opened in Garden City, Kansas, and sparked the proliferation of other Mexican cuisine eateries throughout the state. Manuel and Phyllis's presence continues to live through the deep respect for the Hispanic community in sharing their delicious food with the world.
Although you can no longer enjoy a meal cooked in Mama Phyllis's very own pots and pans, you can continue to savor the dishes she served her husband and ten children. In keeping true to Mama Phyllis, we use only real ingredients and spices designed to deliver a little taste of Mexico in every bite.
Today, Miguel & Alin Rodriguez, great-grandchildren of Phyllis and Manuel, along with other family members, have continued the succession of the El Zarape legacy. In an effort to share a little taste of El Zarape with the rest of the world, Mama Phyllis's salsa recipe is now distributed throughout the U.S. in regional grocery stores and online. Get Your Today!
Although you can no longer enjoy a meal cooked in Mama Phyllis's very own pots and pans, you can continue to savor the dishes she served her husband and ten children. In keeping true to Mama Phyllis, we use only real ingredients and spices designed to deliver a little taste of Mexico in every bite.
Today, Miguel & Alin Rodriguez, great-grandchildren of Phyllis and Manuel, along with other family members, have continued the succession of the El Zarape legacy. In an effort to share a little taste of El Zarape with the rest of the world, Mama Phyllis's salsa recipe is now distributed throughout the U.S. in regional grocery stores and online. Get Your Today!
