Customers wait in line to order in the portico of El Patio, 908 S Main Street on Sat., Mar. 15, 2025 CREDIT SETH FARLEY
By Gina Long
Hungry customers lined up for hours on Saturday, March 15, for homemade Mexican cuisine at El Patio, 908 S Main Street, to help a beloved local family and its businesses overcome a decline in business due to the closure of South Main Street since February 22.
Hutchinson resident Jacelyn Chambers set up a local fundraiser known as a “cash mob” and advertised the event on Facebook. In a Facebook post, Chambers asked the community to turn out and support the Pena family, “a passionate and hardworking family doing beautiful things in a part of Hutch that most of us ignore.”
The event occurred from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but customers continued to come by throughout the afternoon and evening.
Local musician Margot Kimble performed for the crowd waiting patiently through the restaurant’s door, the front outside patio dining area, and the sidewalk.
Martha said customers purchased food, then walked across the street and purchased items at The Beer Point, a liquor store owned by her and Victor, her husband.
On February 22, a gas main line ruptured, causing an explosion that destroyed one South Main Street business and forced the street’s closure. Business dropped precipitously at the restaurant and the store.
“We needed more business because it has been very down. Victor had many days in which he only made about $100 in sales. That’s not enough to pay a utility bill or other expenses,” Martha said.
She noted that many of those who supported the business were regular customers, but quite a few were people visiting for the first time.
“I felt bad because our restaurant is so small. Many people waited an hour for their food. We make everything to order. Nothing is prepared beforehand, and nothing is frozen. Everything is fresh and takes time to prepare. We make fresh salsa three or four times every day. I want people to feel like they are dining in my house,” she said.
Martha said the entire Pena family came to help, working in the kitchen and taking orders.
“I am beyond grateful. The whole community came together to help us. I am so emotional, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone. So many people came to support us. I can’t say how thankful I am to everyone for helping the restaurant and the store and supporting us. Thank you so much.”
El Patio is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and The Beer Point, which specializes in Mexican beers, wines and liquors, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Philip A Muth / March 17, 2025
This is what Hutchonians in particular, and Kansans in general, do. We do our best to help our neighbors. Look how folks turned out for Sandhills Brewery. This “cash mob” was awesome. Jacelyn Chambers, thanks for organizing this event.
/