El Melvin Cocina Mexicana Celebrates 1 Anniversary with Holiday Block Party
Opening its doors one year ago, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana co-owners Mitch Good and Matt Hess never imagined what kind of year it would be. Now with one year under their belt and a shared commitment to not only surviving but thriving, they are taking the lead on the lost annual Sarasota Christmas celebration to host a special block party and holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.
Taking place from 5 p.m. to midnight, the block starting at El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, at 1355 Main Street, to the corner of Palm and Main, will be blocked off for an open air holiday street party. Festivities include Dj Deshawn spinning classic rock to contemporary hits followed by Salsa-induced live music from Hernando Tabueno.
Free and open to the public; food and drink specials available for purchase, including beer, sangria and margarita specials, along with $2 street tacos, including mushroom, carnitas and chicken.
The restaurant will also be open for weekend brunch starting at 10 a.m., happy hour from 3-5 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m.
More Information:
941.366.1618
WEBSITE
COVID Policies
The partners and staff continue to adhere and support all COVID policies and encourage holiday party guests and diners to be mindful and considerate of social distancing and safety protocols. These include wearing masks when not actively eating or drinking, using hand sanitizer, and washing hands regularly.
About El Melvin Cocina Mexicana
Co-owned and operated by childhood friends and partners Mitch Good and Matt Hess, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana is an entrepreneurial spin off from a storied chicken farm and grocery store family history. Mitch’s grandfather, Melvin Mitchell, for which the restaurant is named, led this spirit, growing up and working on a chicken farm for Victor Weaver which grew to Weaver’s Chicken and eventually sold to Tyson Chicken in 1989. It was also through Melvin that Sarasota came into play, when after Tyson Chicken was sold, he took some of the money to buy a vacation home at The Meadows Country Club. Mitch’s father followed suit, starting and selling a grocery store business with Melvin and then buying a vacation home in Sarasota.
As part of the family legacy, Mitch’s father also wanted to help his son in a business venture. A five-year pursuit landed Mitch and Matt in Sarasota and shortly thereafter, a timely meeting to take over Two Senoritas restaurant in downtown Sarasota took place. The restaurant’s 25-year family owned history and location, despite being a restaurant and high failure rate, appealed to the two friends. On the day of the meeting, Melvin passed away. Mitch took this as a sign to pursue the Two Senoritas opportunity. The two closed on the deal in August 2019.
Today, Mitch and Matt carry on the family legacy through their commitment to hospitality, fostering relationships with customers and staff and delivering a unique and engaging authentic dining concept that celebrates family, culture and friendships.
Photos courtesy of El Melvin Cocina Mexicana