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El Rancho Grande began as Don Pedro's, a small
taco stand in a train diner car at the Antique Mall in Union Pier.
Construction and birth of El Rancho Grande began
in 1997 and the Grand Opening was October 19, 1998.
Here is Pete's childhood dream:
"It all started when I was just a
child and remembering the stories my father used to tell about my grandfather Don Pedro
Bernal Navarro."
"In 1885, in a small village called Iropuato
in the central part of Mexico, my great grandfather and his son Don Pedro, who at that time
was a child, worked at an arena. Back in the 1800's a popular sporting event was cockfights.
People would travel from miles away to partake in the excitement of these fights."
"My grandfather eventually opened his own
arena and was blessed by some of the patrons that would visit. He met a gentlemen by the
name of Pancho Villa, who would call upon my grandfather for advice on the best fighting
roosters that day. Pancho Villa was known by many to be a Mexican Revolutionary Leader.
He became an important integral part of my grandfather's life."
"I designed El Rancho Grande to help
pass on my ancestors heritage, and to remember the excitement of the stories that were told to
me as a child"
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El Rancho Grande has a Mexican/Texas
decor. Enjoy a margarita at "The Cantina" and admire our 200 year old bar from Colorado. Enjoy
dinner in our log cabin style "Western Room" which has a fireplace, pictures, and a life size
John Wayne. The "Stained Glass Room" has two windows with life size replicas of James Bowie
and Santa Ana, two generals from the Alamo battle. Outdoor seating on "The Deck" is a seasonal
favorite for those warm summer nights.
Head Chef Ernesto Martinez takes pride in every
little detail, down to the homemade chips and salsa. A five star specialty is his Huachinango
(pronounced Wauchinango) whole Red Snapper with choice of Jalapeno or Garlic Sauce served with
salad, avocados, and a choice of corn or flour tortillas. Everything is homemade down to the
hand rolled tamales in traditional corn husks.
This story is dedicated to my father Peter
Bernal and my grandfather Don Pedro Bernal Navarro.
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