TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – If you’re looking for genuine Mexican cuisine, you might want to check out Rosi’s Food in west Topeka.
The restaurant, located in a small space at 2517 S.W. 6th Ave., specializes in tamales, tacos and burritos.
Owner Rosi Lopez says she started the eatery about a year and a half ago when someone who had tried her tamales told her she needed to open up her own restaurant.
Lopez says tamales are the main calling card of her business …
That much is evidenced by a sign that’s placed above the front door of her restaurant that says only one word — “Tamales.” She said she sells three kinds of tamales, including chicken and green salsa; poblano with two kinds of cheese; and pork.
“I started selling tamales,” she said, “and then customers come and ask for tacos and burritos.”
She says she might introduce enchiladas to the menu down the line.
Lopez says she came to the United States from Mexico about 20 years ago.
This is her first foray into the restaurant business.
“I never had experience working with restaurants,” she said, “and it’s my first time to make a business, but I want to try.”
Customers who come for the first time and try a single tamale often leave with many more, Lopez says.
“Sometimes people come and try one tamale,” she said with a smile, “and then after they try, they take a dozen.”
Rosi’s restaurant only has two tables with about eight chairs for customers wishing to dine-in. However, carry-out is available. Rosi’s also offers catering for a variety of events: “I can make orders for schools or for conferences or meetings, parties.”
Running a restaurant isn’t easy, but Lopez says she enjoys putting a smile on her customers’ faces.
“I enjoy talking with people,” Lopez said. “I enjoy making the food and everything.”
Customer Bruce Lynn said he had been hearing about Rosi’s for awhile and decided to give it a try for himself a couple of weeks ago.
“Everyone that I’ve talked to that’s ever come in here says it’s the best deal going,” Lynn said. “I love Mexican food and I just had a little chance to stop by here and so here I am.
“Rosi’s really nice and the food smells really good, and I’m anxious to get home and have it. If it’s half as good as I’ve heard it is, it’s great.”
Rosi’s is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays from its location just west of S.W. 6th and MacVicar avenues. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Lopez said she also sells her food items from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Downtown Topeka Farmer’s Market when it is in session during the warm-weather months near S.W. 6th and Harrison.
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