The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors surprised Heather Martinez, owner of Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, as the January Member of the Month. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant has been located at 1140 Dehner Drive in Ossian since 2014.
Martinez was no stranger to the food industry when she opened this little hidden gem in Ossian after working in hospitality all her adult life. “I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life right now,” said Martinez. “Running this business is a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
The customers bring joy to Martinez, especially those that come in on a regular basis. “I know their order by memory and they know me by name. I just love that. I really enjoy coming into the restaurant and seeing people.”
Martinez spends a lot of time at Mi Casa and feels it shows people how much she cares about the business and the meals served. “As the owner of the business, I am here helping and doing anything and everything I would expect my employees to do. I take pride in making sure everything is made fresh and not made from frozen food.”
On the horizon for 2022 is a re-branding of the logo, building improvements, a new menu, and catering services. The logo is changing to a more modern look with bright colors. The menu will have slight changes; however, the portion sizes will remain the same.
“My goal this year is to offer more catering options. I can cater company lunches or events and weddings with on-site or delivery options. I also have a catering license for alcohol and offer those services as well. I am really excited to expand the catering option in the restaurant and concentrate on this service for 2022,” Martinez said.
Supporting other small businesses is also a priority for Martinez, knowing what it means to work the countless hours and the time it takes to run a business. The Grand Sweet Shop and Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant support one another offering products at each location. Mi Casa Taco Tuesday’s are offered at The Grand Sweet Shop while baked goods of cookies, puppy chow, sea salt caramels, and turtles are offered at Mi Casa. “We are offering products to customers from Bluffton to Ossian, all while promoting both businesses,” Martinez said.
“Although Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant has been in business for eight years, many people don’t know we are here in Ossian and we would love for people to give us a try,” concluded Martinez. “I am really thankful for the support from the community. I have a great life and proud of where we are today.”
