WYOMING, MI – The coronavirus pandemic has strained local restaurants with restrictions on dining in, but that didn’t stop Susana and Alfonso Gomez from opening Poncho’s Tacos, a new restaurant in Wyoming.
The Mexican eatery opened on Black Friday, Nov. 27, after the building at 1874 28th St. SW was gutted and remodeled.
“A lot of people thought it wasn’t a good idea to open during COVID, but we waited so long,” said Susana Gomez, noting she and her husband first envisioned the restaurant two years ago.
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Poncho’s serves authentic Mexican street-style cuisine — tacos in a corn tortilla with lime and cilantro. It’s a small menu for now, Gomez says, offering 11 types of tacos, tortas, rice and beans. They plan to expand it in upcoming months with burritos, a lettuce wrap and adding beverages like auga fresca, horchata and agua de jamaica — a hibiscus iced tea.
“Everybody wonders, ‘Why a taco place?’” said Gomez. “We Hispanics are known for tacos and we’re always surrounded by food. We love a good eat.”
Her favorite menu items include the tripa taco and steak torta, which is served on a bun with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, mayonnaise and avocado.
The restaurant uses local vendors to supply their meat and fresh produce. Gomez believes it’s important to support other local businesses to “keep it in the community.”
Tacos range in price from $3.75 to $5.50, depending on the protein. Poncho’s also currently offers a few specials during the week, like three tacos, rice and beans for $9.99 on Mondays and half-price tacos on Tuesdays.
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The couple also own a granite countertop business in Holland, and Gomez said an “extremely busy” summer delayed the timeline for their newest venture. The newly renovated building features a bright dining room with a plant-covered photo wall often bordered by a festive balloon arch.
Inspired by the couple’s travels to bigger cities, the “fun, hip environment” is boosted by promotions like the 12 days of Christmas, social media competitions and encouraging customers to take selfies.
In Michigan, indoor dining is restricted until at least Jan. 15. Gomez is focusing on takeout for the time being, and she said opening the restaurant during the pandemic provided an opportunity to “iron out any issues.”
A month in, and Poncho’s is already seeing repeat customers.
“I think we have a great shot,” said Gomez.
Poncho’s Tacos is open Sunday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Orders can be placed in person, online or by phone, 616-805-3747.
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