Photos by HNG
Known for reasonable priced good tasting tacos, enchiladas and huevos rancheros Milwaukee restaurant icon dies.
By H. Nelson Goodson
October 8, 2010
Milwaukee - On Thursday, Jose Gonzalez Garza, 75, well known as " El Conejito" passed away after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by a daughter and son. On Friday, Conejito's Place was packed as usual with people eating and enjoying Garza's original steak tacos and Conejito's tasty margaritas and drinks. Many customers seemed not to notice that Garza was missing, but word of his death began spreading throughout the South side of Milwaukee by word of mouth and other parts of the city by news reports. Garza became well known for his ability to befriend customers who later became Conejito's regulars.
Other customers began to stop by at the restaurant on Friday to take pictures outside and inside. Conejito through the years expanded the restaurant into three sections. Two sections served as bars and restaurant sitting areas and the third was used as an over fill area and hall for special occasions. Even Bill Richardson (Dem.), Governor of New Mexico had a fundraiser at Conejito's in 2008 when he was running for President in the primary.
In 1972, Garza opened Conejito's Place and Restaurant at 539 W. Virginia St. and began selling delicious Mexican style tacos, enchiladas and huevos rancheros at a real cheap price in Milwaukee's South side. Manufacturing and office workers from all over the area would stop at Conejito's to cash their checks, before Check Cashing places were established. While at Conejito's, they would have a few cold ones and some tacos.
Garza hung a large framed picture of Cheech Marin posing with him and claimed Marin was a good friend who would finish a couple of bottles of tequila with him.
Garza also allowed for community newspapers to put their papers at the restaurant so his customers would keep informed with Hispanic community events. He was also well known for his charity and inkind contributions to members and community at large. For example, Marla Possell from Milwaukee recalls in the early 70's Conejito would donate food for Hispanic inmates in correctional institutions. Possell and the late Julia Mendoza would stop at Conejito's and collect large trays of steak, beans, rice, lettuce and tomatoes for making tacos for Wisconsin Mexican inmates. Garza never asked for a penny.
The late Donna VanRuth, former owner of the Acapulco Restaurant at the 600 block of W. National Ave. would also along with Garza donate prepared mexican food.
Garza would also help find employment for newly arrived Mexican immigrants in the area. He was very patriotic and grateful for his opportunity in the U.S., and also celebrated his Mexican heritage during community events, according to Possell. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 11030 W. Forest Home Ave. in Hales Corners, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes church, 3722 S. 58th St. in Milwaukee.
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Known for reasonable priced good tasting tacos, enchiladas and huevos rancheros Milwaukee restaurant icon dies.
By H. Nelson Goodson
October 8, 2010
Milwaukee - On Thursday, Jose Gonzalez Garza, 75, well known as " El Conejito" passed away after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by a daughter and son. On Friday, Conejito's Place was packed as usual with people eating and enjoying Garza's original steak tacos and Conejito's tasty margaritas and drinks. Many customers seemed not to notice that Garza was missing, but word of his death began spreading throughout the South side of Milwaukee by word of mouth and other parts of the city by news reports. Garza became well known for his ability to befriend customers who later became Conejito's regulars.
Other customers began to stop by at the restaurant on Friday to take pictures outside and inside. Conejito through the years expanded the restaurant into three sections. Two sections served as bars and restaurant sitting areas and the third was used as an over fill area and hall for special occasions. Even Bill Richardson (Dem.), Governor of New Mexico had a fundraiser at Conejito's in 2008 when he was running for President in the primary.
In 1972, Garza opened Conejito's Place and Restaurant at 539 W. Virginia St. and began selling delicious Mexican style tacos, enchiladas and huevos rancheros at a real cheap price in Milwaukee's South side. Manufacturing and office workers from all over the area would stop at Conejito's to cash their checks, before Check Cashing places were established. While at Conejito's, they would have a few cold ones and some tacos.
Garza hung a large framed picture of Cheech Marin posing with him and claimed Marin was a good friend who would finish a couple of bottles of tequila with him.
Garza also allowed for community newspapers to put their papers at the restaurant so his customers would keep informed with Hispanic community events. He was also well known for his charity and inkind contributions to members and community at large. For example, Marla Possell from Milwaukee recalls in the early 70's Conejito would donate food for Hispanic inmates in correctional institutions. Possell and the late Julia Mendoza would stop at Conejito's and collect large trays of steak, beans, rice, lettuce and tomatoes for making tacos for Wisconsin Mexican inmates. Garza never asked for a penny.
The late Donna VanRuth, former owner of the Acapulco Restaurant at the 600 block of W. National Ave. would also along with Garza donate prepared mexican food.
Garza would also help find employment for newly arrived Mexican immigrants in the area. He was very patriotic and grateful for his opportunity in the U.S., and also celebrated his Mexican heritage during community events, according to Possell. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 11030 W. Forest Home Ave. in Hales Corners, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes church, 3722 S. 58th St. in Milwaukee.
Connected by MOTOBLUR™ on T-Mobile
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