New Amherst restaurant represents lifetime of work for Mendiola

Nov. 22, 2021 | Trent Levakis
tlevakis@thereminder.com

AMHERST – It’s been a long journey for Federico Mendiola to get to the point of opening his new restaurant, Garcia’s, located at 51 E. Pleasant St.  

The new Mexican restaurant and bar opened their doors officially on Nov. 8, offering a casual dining experience rich with authentic Mexican dishes, as well as a full bar. This marks the first restaurant Mendiola owns on his own, but he is a partner of other restaurants in New England.

Mendiola grew up in Mexico as one of seven siblings under the wing of his mother. Mendiola’s mother worked at a restaurant and in her time spent there was able to use her job to open opportunities for work for her children. Mendiola began bussing tables before working his way through the entire kitchen and learning all the different angles of the business. Leading to present day, Mendiola is now opening his first fully owned restaurant.

“They offered my mother to have us come in and help with opening doors to taxis. We started interacting with customers at a very young age,” Mendiola said.

This gave Mendiola a very early glimpse at the restaurant business and he eventually would start to work more in the kitchen and ultimately work his way up to the position he is in now.

“My mom stopped working there and she put a food truck together – a very tiny, very little one – but we would help her there and then I stayed in the restaurant business in fine dining in Mexico,” Mendiola said.

Due to the high tourist volume of the restaurant he was working at in Mexico, Mendiola began to learn English in small pockets but decided to study English more formally while he was in high school. In 1997, Mendiola migrated to the US and to gain experience worked a variety of fast-food jobs while he became adjusted to U.S. life.

Mendiola worked hard, just as he was taught as a young person, and eventually had a fortunate break with his brother. His brother had a partnership and opened a restaurant in Columbus, OH, and Federico went there right away to help his brother and gain more experience now working in America. This gave Mendiola another valuable experience in management and operation of restaurants.

“It wasn’t a dream of mine, but I feel that I don’t work when I do what I do. I just get things done. Nothing is a chore for me, I just do it,” Mendiola said. “I never sit and think about the progress or anything. I just keep going. Its just what my mom input in us that we have to work and get things done so you can get ahead,” Mendiola said.

Mendiola has since lived in New England and has participated in partnerships of three other restaurants in New England. Wanting to grow further and take a chance on a restaurant that he could call all his, Mendiola explored options of opening a new restaurant and settled in on the town of Amherst and its lively community.

When coming up with the name of the restaurant, Mendiola wanted something that showed they are authentic Mexican but also a proud family restaurant trying to make their mark in the community. After initially having the idea to call the restaurant Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Mendiola thought of something simpler with a lot more meaning to it.

“My wife’s name is Garcia. I decided to name it Garcia’s because its just a great first project and naming the place after the people you love [was the idea]. My brother in laws, both of them, they work in there too,” Mendiola said.

The authentic Mexican restaurant includes signature Mexican classics, such as quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas, along with traditional American options, such as “Surf & Turf” burgers, and various pub fare offerings.

“Garcia’s will be serving traditional Mexican dishes, as well as vegan and gluten free options, a variety of microbrews and Mexican imported beers, and the best margaritas in New England! We carefully selected all of the décor, from the authentic wall art down to each and every handcrafted wall tile, specifically for the town of Amherst. My family and I are excited to share our culture through out delicious dishes and beautiful décor,” Mendiola said in a press release.

Mendiola said over a week since their grand opening, they have seen consistent customer traffic and people enjoying the atmosphere of the restaurant and bar. Many people of all ages are taking to the bar to get authentic Mexican meals and be introduced with the new restaurant in town, according to Mendiola. He also mentioned that a solid amount of college students in town have received jobs at Garcia’s as wait and bussing staff.

“The United States is truly a place where you can search for the American dream and if you find the right place, you can make it big if you put your mind to it,” Mendiola said.

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