Can you help Kie-gol-lanee stay open?
Donation protected
Kie-gol-lanee Restaurant needs our help.
Kie-gol-lanee, serving traditional Oaxacan cuisine in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, opened its doors in September, 2016. Brother and sister Reynel and Maria Mendoza, with their spouses Sandra and Leo, have created a warm, inviting spot where they serve unique Mexican regional dishes. The family immigrated to Chicago 16 years ago and worked hard in the restaurant industry, starting as dishwashers and prep cooks. With their natural culinary skills and strong work ethic, they began to dream of a place to showcase their own cuisine – the rich and layered flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Kie-gol-lanee restaurant is the realization of that dream.
It is an American Dream to be proud of, a true family restaurant where teenage sons and daughters bus tables and fill water glasses, little ones celebrate birthdays, and abuelitos visiting from Mexico restock the supplies of tlayudas and chapulines.
Kie-gol-lanee’s customers have rewarded their hard work. They have regularly put Kie-gol-lanee near the top of the list on reviewing apps. And last year, these first-time restaurant owners won one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the world – Michelin’s Bib Gourmand – awarded to select restaurants of superior quality and moderate price.
The red plaque is proudly displayed in the restaurant’s front dining room, reading Michelin 2020. It’s a bittersweet achievement because the dining room where it hangs is now closed.
2020 is the year that has devastated restaurants big and small all over the country. Kie-gol-lanee has pushed through all year, expanding take-out and delivery, maximizing outdoor dining, and offering special holiday catering. The family has applied for city, state and federal grants and loans, but as of yet have received no aid.
Now this dire winter has brought the business low. The Mendoza family is facing the prospect of closing the restaurant. The loss would not only be theirs – the Uptown neighborhood and customers around the city would lose a truly special place.
Yet 2020 is ending with some real hope for a better year to come.
Can you help Kie-gol-lanee pull through until widespread vaccination allows them to reopen their doors and welcome diners to gather again?
For a closer look at the restaurant and its menu, check out their website at kiegol.com
Kie-gol-lanee, serving traditional Oaxacan cuisine in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, opened its doors in September, 2016. Brother and sister Reynel and Maria Mendoza, with their spouses Sandra and Leo, have created a warm, inviting spot where they serve unique Mexican regional dishes. The family immigrated to Chicago 16 years ago and worked hard in the restaurant industry, starting as dishwashers and prep cooks. With their natural culinary skills and strong work ethic, they began to dream of a place to showcase their own cuisine – the rich and layered flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Kie-gol-lanee restaurant is the realization of that dream.
It is an American Dream to be proud of, a true family restaurant where teenage sons and daughters bus tables and fill water glasses, little ones celebrate birthdays, and abuelitos visiting from Mexico restock the supplies of tlayudas and chapulines.
Kie-gol-lanee’s customers have rewarded their hard work. They have regularly put Kie-gol-lanee near the top of the list on reviewing apps. And last year, these first-time restaurant owners won one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the world – Michelin’s Bib Gourmand – awarded to select restaurants of superior quality and moderate price.
The red plaque is proudly displayed in the restaurant’s front dining room, reading Michelin 2020. It’s a bittersweet achievement because the dining room where it hangs is now closed.
2020 is the year that has devastated restaurants big and small all over the country. Kie-gol-lanee has pushed through all year, expanding take-out and delivery, maximizing outdoor dining, and offering special holiday catering. The family has applied for city, state and federal grants and loans, but as of yet have received no aid.
Now this dire winter has brought the business low. The Mendoza family is facing the prospect of closing the restaurant. The loss would not only be theirs – the Uptown neighborhood and customers around the city would lose a truly special place.
Yet 2020 is ending with some real hope for a better year to come.
Can you help Kie-gol-lanee pull through until widespread vaccination allows them to reopen their doors and welcome diners to gather again?
For a closer look at the restaurant and its menu, check out their website at kiegol.com
Organizer
Mary Jude Ramirez
Organizer
Chicago, IL
