Jalisco’s Is The New Hot Spot
 | Author:
Dee Gannon, MT43 News Correspondent
MT43 News Correspondent |
Jalisco’s is the New Hot Spot
Dee Gannon
MT43 News Correspondent
If you have been living under a rock, you haven’t noticed there is a new business in Townsend, next to the Betsy, in the old Betsy’s Kitchen space.
Well, climb out from under that rock and meet Freddy and his crew. All of his employees hail from the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Jalisco has its own cuisine style, and you are sure to enjoy the flavors you experience. He works here with his brother, Jose’ and just a couple others. All from Jalisco, Mexico.
‘Just’ Freddy came to the U.S. seven years ago, settling first in Tacoma Washington. He found himself coming to Montana; where he has spent the last five years managing and eventually owning food trucks in Belgrade and Bozeman. He learned the craft of mobility from Rosendo Pelayo; who owned the Taco Bus in Belgrade. Pelayo trusted Freddy, promoting him to chef, and later, manager. When Pelayo became so impressed with Freddy, he expanded to Bozeman.
Three years ago, Freddy bought three food trucks and opened them in Bozeman, Four Corners and Big Sky himself. He says that more expansion is in the works.
This is the first ‘brick and mortar’ restaurant he has had. Co-owner of The Betsy, Daniela Ragan, knew that the extra kitchen space that she had could be put to good use; so, she placed an ad on the internet, on a page entitled ‘Mija’. Freddy answered the call and came to Townsend, giving the people in this town a taste of Mexico. He had to make a whole new setup in the space, and it is not without its little quirks and problems. For example, the afternoon of our interview, there was a problem with the gas line. Chase Ragan was right on it; and before long (and with a little expert consultation), they were back in business.
Freddy’s wife, Cindy, is his biggest supporter. She commutes back and forth from Bozeman daily with him; toting along an eighteen-month-old and a four-week-old. There is a comfortable room above The Betsy for her and the children, so they can be close. Freddy says he is very proud to be the first in his family to own a U.S. business and considers himself to be lucky to have the many mentors he has had. He is also very proud of his heritage. “Jalisco is the pride of Mexico,” he says excitedly.
Freddy says his biggest stressor is finding good employees. “Restaurant ownership is not for the faint of heart.” His motto is to “be proactive, not reactive.”
He has some December Specials to announce. Veterans get 25% off with military ID; Taco Tuesdays; Teacher’s Wednesday, 25% off; Hospital Workers Thursdays, 25% off; Police on Sundays, 25% off…just show ID. You’ll love the everyday specials.
Delivery is available within 10 minutes of town. That includes fishers and hunters. Gift Cards are available; Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. He is closed on Mondays. Jalisco’s will be closed on Christmas Day, closing early on Christmas Eve. They will be closed on New Year’s Day but open on New Year’s Eve.
He isn’t done, either. He plans on bringing Mexican Folklore Dancing to The Betsy, eventually. He says, “Contrary to popular ‘gringo’ belief, not all Mexicans are related by blood; although, we are a very tight-knit family within the culture".
A special thanks goes to Daniela Raegan; who translated for this gringo reporter. Go get you some of the most authentic food around. It’s delicious with huge servings, and the folks are very nice.
Welcome to Townsend, Freddy and family!
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PhotoCredit: Dee Gannon Photo
Image 1 Caption: Freddy and his family. Cindy, wife and 2 littles
Dee Gannon Photo
Image 2 Caption: Freddy and brother, Jose' (in rust shirt)
Dee Gannon Photo
