Christian Ledezma and Adriana Martinez, owners of El Ranchito at 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, at Warner Robins.
Robins Warner
Mexican natives Adriana Martinez and Christian Ledezma decided to open El Ranchito on North Davis Drive after Ledezma saw a need for authentic Mexican food on that side of town.
He wanted workers like him to be able to find a quick bite that was more than a hot dog at a convenience store.
They chose the name El Ranchito, which means “our little ranch,” because they wanted the restaurant to have that home-style feel, Martinez said.
Their fledgling restaurant at 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, is located at the end of a small shopping street that includes a convenience store.
It’s the first restaurant for the couple, who live in Warner Robins with their six children.
Another couple, Wilmer Velasquez and his wife, Beverly Lima, help them run the restaurant. Velasquez, from Guadaljara, is an experienced chef, Martinez said.
The food
The restaurant’s one-page menu includes Mexican “street tacos,” burritos, tortas, and quesadillas served with a choice of protein: pastor (pork), asada (steak), pollo (chicken), and birria.
Also offered are quesabirria, wings, cheese fries with a choice of protein, and a combo plate of six wings with fries and a drink. The wings come in four flavors: hot, mild, lemon pepper, and barbecue.
The quesabeirria, a cross between a taco and a quesadilla with simmered meat, is their most popular dish. A combo of three comes with consuming, the liquid in which the meat is cooked, for dipping.
“They usually sell out,” Martinez said.
The restaurant also offers a dish of the day, which is a plate of Mexican dishes that they have prepared for that day, such as steak in chili sauce with potatoes and carrots served with white rice and a salad lettuce, tomatoes and avocado.
“These are homemade meals,” Martinez said.
Having opened in April, they recently adjusted their hours to open earlier. A popular breakfast option are chilaquiles with fries, red salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and eggs.
Another breakfast option: fried eggs with fried banana, black beans, cheese and sour cream.
“It was packed every morning,” said Martinez, who suggested calling a breakfast order to go ahead.
The restaurant, which seats up to 50 people, is now open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The number is 478-273-4123. They offer dine-in and take-out.
A common thread
El Ranchito is one of three authentic Mexican restaurants to open in as many months at Warner Robins.
Samuel “Sammy” Naranjo and Jenny Ramirez opened Taqueria Don Sammy – or loosely translated Sammy’s Taco Shop – at 1431 Watson Blvd. early March.
In February, Beatriz Aguilar closed La Pina Loka Snacks, a Mexican snack and ice cream shop, then reopened in early May as Taqueria La Pina Loka, an authentic Mexican restaurant, in the same location on the right side of Food Depot at 2203 Watson. Boul., Suite Z.
All three restaurants are family owned and operated by native Mexicans.
