TICONDEROGA — The first ever Mexican café just opened in Ticonderoga as part of the popular Wind-Chill Factory on Hague Road.
The Mexican Grill at Wind-Chill started as an idea of owner Robert Porter to keep his staff employed during the winter months when the soft ice cream and hot dogs and pizza part of the business is closed.
“They’re super hard workers,” he said. “We have some fantastic employees. We shut down every year (for winter). I knew Mexican food is one of the most sought after in the country.”
That gave them a plan on how they could use part of the Wind-Chill Factory’s space in the cold months, he said.
“We did a ton of research to bring this together,” Porter said. “Everyone put a ton of time into the recipes. We got the best of the best (offerings).”
Foods will include burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads.
His wife, Jen, children, family and employees were all supportive of the idea, he said.
They did a soft opening about six weeks before the grand opening, he said.
“We wanted people to come here but we wanted them to come back,” Porter said. “Now things are picking up. People sharing is the best advertising.”
Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Matthew Courtright praised the expansion and opening of the Mexican Grill.
“What an amazing operation here,” he said at the grand opening. “What an outstanding addition to our food operations in Ticonderoga. We’re very thankful.”
Courtright said he sees “a strong and vibrant economic future” for the Ticonderoga area.
Robert Porter’s sister, Karen Porter, is the manager of the Mexican Grill.
“We’re working hard,” she said. “We totally refurbished this space. We wanted more of a Mexican vibe.
The Mexican Grill has 15 employees, she said, to cover all shifts.
She said customers can order online and apps are available for iOS and Android phones. The apps were created by former Wind-Chill employee Summer Snyder. The café has a drive-thru and orders are take-out only.
Right now they’re open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, she said. Besides Mexican food they also offer ice cream cakes and pies. The address is 794 State Route 9N (Hague Road), Ticonderoga.
They renovated the space with a new ceiling and Mexican décor and got underway in record time, she said.
“We’re so proud of ourselves,” Karen Porter said.