Orchard Family Restaurant opens in Guthrie Center

 

Orchard Family Restaurant opens in Guthrie Center

By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times

A new restaurant recently opened in Guthrie Center, and it is attracting attention for its extensive menu. The Orchard Family Restaurant, located at 104 Third St., is owned by Luis Huerta, who recently sat down to share information about the business. The location had previously been La Villa Mexican Restaurant and Teo’s Mexican Grill. 

Huerta explained that he has worked in the restaurant business since 2013, running restaurants in Greenfield, Stuart and Coon Rapids, along with several Los Altos locations, as well as operating food trucks. Huerta explained that he sold his interest in the Los Altos locations in Story City, Greenfield and Bondurant.

The Orchard Family Restaurant opened Sept. 2, and a ribbon cutting event was set for Oct. 12.

Orchard’s menu features Mexican and American cuisine. The Mexican offerings include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and nachos. American and other offerings include burgers, sandwiches, pasta, bone-in wings, steak, ribs, pizzas, seafood, salads and soups. The menu also includes a variety of sides, a kids menu, jalapeno poppers and other appetizers, sundaes and other desserts.

Most meals are priced in the $10 to $13 range. Nothing costs more than $20, with the most expensive meals being the 12-ounce ribeye and the full slab of ribs, each listed at $19.99.

Orchard’s serving hours are Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with a break from 2-4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays), and Fridays/Saturdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Currently, seven staff members work at Orchard, including Huerta and his wife, Beatrice. He is still in the process of hiring additional staff to fill the schedule.

“We try to bring a little bit different kitchen from what we use in Los Altos, even the beans and rice. We don’t use red rice here; we use white rice,” Huerta said. “It’s still authentic, because there are many different regions of Mexican food.”

Looking ahead, Huerta said he plans to add bar seating and TVs for that area. He also hopes to eventually hold various events at the restaurant.

One core belief that Huerta has learned throughout his restaurant career is to listen to his customers, so he encourages the public to make recommendations for changes or additions to the offerings.

“We want to make it a nice place for the community and to provide good service,” Huerta said.