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Phyllis and Manuel Garcia
Sr. established El Zarape in 1967. Phyllis overcame great
obstacles to realize a life long dream of being an independent
entrepreneur, with pots and pans from her own kitchen, which
she had used to nurture ten children and a husband.
To say Phyllis was a risk taker is an understatement. She had
no education, business experience or financing. Mexican food
was generally unknown in western Kansas, but she instinctively
felt that the public palate was ready. Along with her eldest
daughter Lupe, and granddaughter Kathy, they began what was to
become a family legacy. Eventually, most of her children and
grandchildren, and now great grandchildren, have taken their
turn in the kitchen or busing tables. |
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Today Benjamin Cedillo,
great grandson of Phyllis and Manuel, along with his wife
Katherine, have continued the succession of the El Zarape
legacy. Ben's ambition and knowledge has allowed him to share
his grandmother's salsa. Today he is successfully marketing
and distributing his grandmother's salsa in Kansas.
Phyllis and Manuel were taken from us but their spirit lives
on in the quality of El Zarape's food. El Zarape was the first
Mexican food restaurant opened in Garden City. They led the
proliferation of other Mexican cuisine eateries throughout the
state. Manuel and Phyllis' presence continues to be felt
through a new found respect for the Hispanic community for
sharing it's delicious food with the world. |
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