Gael’s, a new restaurant from the family behind Mi Parral and Mi Cocina, will open Friday, March 13

Gael’s, a new Mexican restaurant from the family behind Mi Parral in Muskegon and Mi Cocina in Grand Haven, will make its debut on Friday, March 13 at 1811 W. Sherman Blvd. in Norton Shores.

The new eatery, which is located in the space that was once Mango’s restaurant and is owned by wife-and-husband duo Maria Holguin and Jesus Chavez, will offer authentic Mexican dishes. Reminiscent of the food that has landed them stellar reviews from customers at their previous restaurants, the menu will feature burritos, tacos, chile rellenos, fajitas, tamales, mole poblano, vegetarian options—such as guacamole tostadas, vegetable fajitas, and potato burritos—churros, flan, and more. [To see the entire menu, please click here.]

“I am excited to have everyone come and enjoy our food again,” said Holguin, who is also working as Gael’s chef. “Everyone is welcome, and I will be very happy to see all our customers again, as well as new friends.”

Named after the couple’s grandson, Gael, the restaurant offers sit-down dining and takeout, as well as lunch specials. 

Holguin and Chavez owned and operated Mi Cocina at 103 S Beechtree St. in Grand Haven from 2016 to 2018. They also worked at Mi Parral, which was located at 1936 Peck St. and was owned by Holguin’s mother.

Originally hailing from Mexico, Holguin learned to cook at a young age, and, after moving to the United States at the age of 18, she often found herself creating the authentic Mexican dishes that reminded her of home. Holguin and her family, including her husband and three children, moved from Colorado to Muskegon 11 years ago after falling in love with the area during a trip to visit Holguin’s brother. 

“My whole life I’ve been cooking and working as a waitress,” said Holguin, who explained she and her family have been searching for a space to open a new restaurant since Mi Cocina closed two years ago. 

“We know Muskegon loves our food, and we are happy to be back,” Holguin said. “We wanted to start another new business because we have a lot of great customers.”

Gael’s is located at 1811 W. Sherman Blvd. in Norton Shores. It will be open 11am-8pm Mondays through Thursdays, 11am-9pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am-5pm Sundays. To connect with Gael’s, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page here.

Story by Anna Gustafson, the publisher and editor of Muskegon Times. You can connect with her by emailing muskegontimes@gmail.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.