By Emily Wolfe Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
Look out Big Sky, authentic Mexican food is headed this way.
Locals Brenda and Alberto Godoy are opening a restaurant in the Town Center, in the space recently vacated by El Patron. They are working to renovate the space this spring, and plan to hire all new staff for Alberto’s.
Originally from Mexico City, Alberto moved from St. Anthony, Idaho eight years ago during the construction boom, and Brenda followed with their two children soon after.
“I love to cook, and I think Big Sky needs Mexican cuisine from a Mexican person,” said Alberto, who previously owned and ran a restaurant in Idaho.
“American people are used to Tex-Mex food, so I want to please them [with] that, but slowly introduce our dishes from Mexico City.”
One such dish, Pambazo, is torta bread dipped in chile and fried with chorizo and potato mixture in the middle, then topped with lettuce sour cream and green salsa. It’s become a favorite of houseguests at the Godoy’s, and they say it’s a classic in Mexico City.
“We are very excited,” Alberto said. “It’s been my dream and now it’s happening thanks to a lot of people behind us.”
They’ve hired local help for interior design and marketing, and said they’ve received advice from many business owners in the area. The plan is to make Alberto’s affordable for everyone, with most expensive plate set at $16, said Brenda, who many know from her years working at the post office.
Alberto will work as the chef, and with Brenda leading the front of the house, the couple is looking to hire about nine staff.
The official opening date is set for July 1, but they’ll likely open the doors beforehand, Brenda said, serving food from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’re waiting to hear back from the state about their liquor license before setting the bar hours.
