Photo by Holly Allen – The Reyes-Guizar family — from left, Yairet, Jesus E., Nahtali, Gael, Lourdes, and Jesus — will hold a grand opening for their restaurant, La Bendición (The Blessing) in downtown Meriden August 1.
by Holly Allen
A soft opening for authentic Mexican restaurant La Bendición will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, August 1.
Located on the west end of Meriden’s Main Street at 101 S. Palmberg St., the restaurant will initially offer takeout only, with ordering available at a walk-up window or by telephone.
The building—a former mechanic’s shop—is owned by the Reyes-Guizar family of rural Meriden. Food will be served out of the renovated office space at the north end of the building. The family, led by Jesus Reyes and Lourdes Guizar, eventually plans to renovate the southern shop area to include tables, public restrooms, a bar, and central air conditioning, allowing for indoor dining.
Originally from Mexico (Jesus arriving in 1994, Lourdes in 2001), the couple moved to the Meriden area from Kansas City about a year ago. Hoping to provide a better life for their four children, they began searching for rural property, found a lot online in the Westshore Estates community, and began building a home.
The family includes four children: Yairet (22), Nahtali (17), Jesus (16), and Gael (8). The younger three enrolled at USD 340 last school year, while Yairet attends Washburn University, where she is studying to become an elementary school teacher.
The family purchased the commercial building on Main Street last November with the intent of transforming it into a restaurant.
They say the move to Meriden has been a blessing in many ways, and wanted the restaurant’s name to reflect that.
“Once we decided to move here, everything fell into place. The land to build our home, improved health issues, the kindness from those in the community and the school district, and finding this place for the restaurant — it’s all a blessing from God,” stated Lourdes. “That is why we named it La Bendición, Spanish for The Blessing.”
While Jesus continues to operate his stucco business, Lourdes, who worked as a bus driver first in Kansas City and then for the Jefferson West school district, has now dedicated herself full-time to launching the restaurant.
“She’s always in the kitchen, and this has always been her dream,” said daughter Yairet. “There was too much competition in Kansas City, and no opportunity, but we are excited about the chance to make it work here.”
The initial menu features breakfast burritos, empanadas, sopes, street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, quesabirrias, and enchiladas made with pollo (marinated chicken), birria (shredded beef), carne asada (steak), and al pastor (marinated pork). A variety of desserts are available, along with chips and guacamole, queso, and salsa.
Following lunch and dinner service on opening day, La Bendición will maintain regular hours, 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Breakfast is available until 11 a.m. each day. Orders can be taken at the window, or by calling 785-580-0484.
“We want to thank the community any way we can for being so welcoming and helpful. We were afraid of being in the minority when we came here, but everyone has been so kind,” said Lourdes. “It is truly a blessing to be here.”