Mexican restaurant spices up local dining

By Chris Gillow

Frontiersman

Name of the business: Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant

What kind of business:

Restaurant

Location: 431 W. Parks Highway

Phone number: 373-2929

Owner: Gilbert and Sandra Ramos

Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday

WASILLA — When Gilbert Ramos was 16 years old he dreamed of opening his own restaurant. Now 17 years later, he’s 33 and has made that dream come true by successfully opening two restaurants in Alaska.

Ramos, along with his wife, Sandra, are the proud owners of the new Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant in Wasilla — a business venture that originally began in Eagle River.

After finding success with the Eagle River location, the couple decided to open a second restaurant in Wasilla along the Parks Highway.

We sat down with Gilbert recently for a question and answer interview:

Frontiersman: Where are you from and why did open a business in Wasilla?

Gilbert Ramos: I’m from Michoacan, Mexico. I saw that there wasn’t this type of restaurant in Wasilla and I wanted to bring something new.

Frontiersman: How long has the business been open and how is it going so far?

Ramos: About three weeks. It’s been pretty steady and we have a lot of repeat customers. Some people come in three times a week, so that’s nice.

Frontiersman: What products or services do you offer?

Ramos: Mexican food. We have tacos, carne asada and daily specials, like coconut shrimp, that aren’t on then menu.

Frontiersman: How do you choose what goes on the menu?

Ramos: I see what from our store in Eagle River sells the most and what goes the fastest. You don’t have to wait hardly ever for your food. So it’s more like good quality fast food.

Frontiersman: What is the most popular item on the menu?

Ramos: The chili rellenos. We make them fresh daily, and with the ingredients we put in it has a different flavor than all the other restaurants.

Frontiersman: What made you want to open your own business?

Ramos: It is a dream I’ve has since I was 16 and I love the business. I love working with people, it’s great.

Frontiersman: What kind of restaurant experience do you have?

Ramos: I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 14. My brother owns a restaurant, so I grew up in the restaurant business.

Frontiersman: What sets your restaurant apart from other similar businesses?

Ramos: The quality of the food and consistency. We take a lot of pride in our food and we follow our recipes to the dot.

Frontiersman: What future plans do you have for your business?

Ramos: I’d like to see it grow and basically to see everybody leave happy. That brings satisfaction.

Frontiersman: What advice would you give a prospective restaurant owner?

Ramos: I would say definitely focus on customer service that has been key and making sure everybody leaves content.