Of the many Mexican eateries and cantinas dotting Southwest Boulevard, Ponak’s has been open the longest. Celebrating 50 years today with a fiesta, the popular restaurant opened its doors in 1975.
Pop by the longstanding Mexican restaurant (2856 Southwest Blvd., KCMO) today and you’ll see a menu full of anniversary specials, t-shirts being given away and plenty of Ponak’s swag.
“I can’t believe it’s been 50 years. It’s been a really great run,” says Owner John Ponak. “I’m really blessed and it’s just phenomenal what’s been going on for the last 50 years.”
A specialty cocktail menu was created to celebrate and features a strawberry and mango margarita, Paloma, ranch water with Don Julio and a tequila sunrise, all served on the rocks. Of course, you can count on house margarita with Juarez Tequila gold to help you celebrate properly.
(Ponak’s is one of several spots along Southwest Boulevard to grab a patio margarita. To see the list of recommendations, read here.)
Yesterday afternoon, the restaurant had a line out the door. It may seem like the large crowd is due to the anniversary, but server Kodee Frye, who has been a Ponak’s server for a decade, says it’s not unusual. “It’s always like this, just a crazy busy place,” Frye says.
When Ponak was asked how it feels to have his namesake restaurant celebrating 50 years, Ponak, who owns the establishment alongside his wife Peggy, simply stated, “Wonderful.”
“It’s a great feat,” Ponak continues. “The wonderful people that have been coming here throughout the years and decades, it’s just been a wonderful experience. Probably four generations, I assume, have been coming here.”
