By: Felicia Naoum
“The American Dream” is not just an ethos we read or hear about. The Navarro brothers (Jerry, Armando and Luis) not only reached “the American Dream”, they have exceeded it with cultivating their family owned business, Compadres, an authentic and extremely popular Mexican Restaurant that will have you wanting more…and more…and yes, even more!
Jerry Navarro, the brother whom I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing, not only shared his story – he shared inspiration. The brothers took their big leap of faith and a lot of hard work to launching their first of thirteen restaurants, Compadres (Ashtabula) in 2003 and have since accomplished opening multiple locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania! Growing up cooking and working in the restaurant industry made this a natural transition for this family.
Recalling childhood memories of learning to cook, starting at age 13, was emphasized during the interview. Jerry’s father has a deep passion for cooking and was the precursor of his boys learning to cook.
So, you can be assured that your food will be made with passion. And passion alone is not the only ingredient – if you want flavor explosion, richness, and tastes that make you utter adjectives like, “phenomenal”, “astounding” and “delicious”, the whole way through, then this is your restaurant and just a tip, make the Molcajete your first meal, newbies, or your next meal if you’re a current Compadres goer! I asked to try one of the best selling and most popular dishes – and that is certainly what my extremely nice waitress brought to the table. They say presentation is everything, right? Compadres presentation doesn’t stop at their colorful yet elegant walls and tables, it extends to their food. A deep, sizzling stone-type bowl full of exuberant excitement made me a very happy reporter! As Jerry said, “This is one of the most popular; it gives you a taste of everything!”
Are you ready? Meet the flavor explosion – steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, pineapple, bell pepper, cheese, onions, and tomatoes! But wait, we’re not done yet…don’t forget the refried beans, rice, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and three flour tortillas that come with it! Don’t worry, this mouth-watering creation will be ready for your arrival because as Jerry said, “Every day we make it freshly made.”
This freshness is also affordable. You can get a quality meal any day of the week for lunch as low as $6.99 from 11AM until 3PM. Having a stressful morning at work? Stop on it to 10333 Northfield Rd. in Northfield to dine fine and enjoy the new, expanded scenery. If Northfield isn’t a convenient location, you can go to http://www.compadresmexgrill.com/ to check out their multiple locations.
Jerry summed up the Compadres experience for you: “Our food is good. Service is top notch.” What more could you ask for? Oh, those daily lunch specials, of course, and an immaculately cleaned restaurant. One more thing, folks – Compadres EXPRESS! Compadres will fit your every need! Too busy to stop in and dine? Then stop at the EXPRESS in Geneva as well as Slippy Rock, PA for any PA residents. You can create your own burrito to go!
Compadres offers something for everyone! And, even better, Compadres gives you a little freedom to create your own meal with their combination dinners. If you’re a Vegetarian, or even looking for a lighter fare meal, Compadres will fit your needs with Vegetarian meals as well as salads.
Don’t forget the sweet treat at the end with their Mexican-inspired desserts.
If that’s not enough, you have to wash it all down, right? Your eyes will gravitate to the huge bar that includes affordable drink specials! Happy hour just got happier when you stop in and discover how low these drink specials are!
Maybe I’ll see you there because I know that I will definitely be back……that’s how great this experience was, folks!
All photos by Victor Milani
