‘A dream come true.’ Friends to open an authentic Mexican restaurant in Warner Robins

Friends who met while working at a Mexican restaurant in Middle Georgia each came to America separately for the opportunity to work hard and become successful.

They saved their money, and now they’re opening their own authentic Mexican restaurant in Warner Robins.

Medina’s Mexican Grill at 1281 South Houston Lake Road is targeted to open in late February in the former Zoner’s pizza location.

Realizing a dream

“A lot of people coming from our country, get a little business— growing it up and growing it up and growing it up... we want our business growing,” said Yenny Aranda.

Aranda and her boyfriend, Antonio Medina, own 50% of the new restaurant. Jesus Hernandez owns the other 50% which he intends as a legacy for his son, Daniel Hernandez, 15, who will also work at the restaurant.

“Certainly, this is a dream come true,” said the 59-year-old Hernandez. “I want to be sure to leave him with good people. That’s why I decided to go into business with these people. They are good, fair people.”

Both Medina and Hernandez are from Mexico. Also, Hernandez’s maternal last name is also Medina. Hence, the name of the restaurant: Medina’s Mexican Grill.

In Mexico, both the paternal and maternal last names are incorporated into a child’s name, which may also include a middle name, Hernandez explained. Because it’s not that way in America, Hernandez said he goes by his first name and his paternal last name.

Several months ago, the three friends made the decision to pool their money and experience and started looking for a restaurant location in Middle Georgia.

Medina has been cooking authentic Mexican food for 16 years, while Aranda has held varied restaurant roles from server to bartender to manager for the past seven years.

Hernandez started working in restaurants 30 years ago before joining The Coca-Cola Company, where he held various positions over 24 years from order builder to merchandiser account manager to forklift driver.

When the friends found the South Houston Lake location, they knew they’d found the spot to turn their shared vision into reality.

They’ve been renovating the large space that’s capable of seating 120 people and includes a full service bar.

The menu

They’ve also been working on the menu, which isn’t finalized but is already extensive.

So far, the menu includes fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, steaks, salads, seafood and other dishes.

Their specialties include Molcajete, a dish served on a molcajete of grilled steak, chicken and shrimp with tortillas and a fajita salad with chorizo, onions, jalapenos, nopal, banana peppers, a roasted fresco and their special sauce.

Another specialty dish: their quesabirrias, which consists of birria-style stewed meat folded into tortillas that have been soaked in the fat of the meat broth and served with a side of broth for dipping, according to the menu.

They’ll also offer lunch specials.

In addition, they’ll specialize in margaritas and daiquiris and offer other alcoholic beverages. They expect to offer drink specials from time to time.

In the future and if they gain approval from city officials, they’d like to add a patio on the back side of the restaurant.

Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.