El Patron open for business Kasson

After delays in opening, El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina opened Nov. 24 in the old Daniel’s Restaurant location in Kasson.

The restaurant serves authentic Mexican food, with dozens of items on the expansive menu. Most popular menu items are the enchiladas supreme, cowboy fajitas and the chimichangas, said Adolfo Angel, El Patron manager.

Angel is the son of the restaurant owners, Eduardo Angel and Xochilth Alvarez, who are both from Mexico. The restaurant has 10 employees. Adolfo Angel said the restaurant’s location is what sold the family on the property.

“We decided to open in Kasson due to it being a great spot near Rochester,” Adolfo Angel said. “And it’s also right on the edge of Highway 57 that’s pretty busy.”

He said the community is small but with other surrounding towns bringing in customers, the family is expecting to keep a fast pace with diners.

El Patron strives to satisfy all taste buds, with appetizers, soups, nachos, dinner combinations, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, burritos, a vegetarian section, desserts, quesadillas, seafood and also a selection of American food.

Angel said their busiest time was opening day dinner rush. “Everyone was glad they got a chance to try our food,” Angel said. “People were happy with the food and service we provided. Our only issue was wait time.”

Once the service kinks are worked out, Angel said he expects the restaurant to do well. The family owns El Patron restaurants in Winona and Austin as well. Eduardo Angel has 25 years of experience in the restaurant business, his son said.

“I believe it will be successful here,” Adolfo Angel said. “There is not much for Mexican restaurants in this area. You usually have to travel.”

El Patron is located in the former Daniel’s Restaurant which closed at the end of August after 43 years in business.