A new restaurant has opened on Corpus Christi’s Southside.
Wingbar & Grill held its grand opening July 9 at 5017 Saratoga Blvd., the former site of La Playa.
Nearly 20 years ago, co-owner Ivan Garcia started his journey in the restaurant industry working on the kitchen line at the old Mexican restaurant.
He was with La Playa for about seven years before gaining new skills and experience at other businesses.
“I’m so happy to be back here years after where I first started,” Garcia said a week prior inside his restaurant next to his wife, Stephanie Sergent. “When I found out this place was for rent, I knew we needed to get this spot.”
The eatery will specialize in wings and burgers, but other items on the menu include tacos, fish, salads, appetizers, beer and cocktails.
Joe “Coach Joe” De La Paz, the restaurant’s public relations manager, said with Garcia’s experiences from previous jobs, he’s able to bring “that legacy” to open his own restaurant.
“This is a place to come for lunch, dinner, birthday parties, anniversaries, corporate events or just to watch the game with a cold drink,” De La Paz said. “Wingbar isn’t demographically focused on anybody; it’s focused on everybody in Corpus Christi.”
Garcia said he is excited for people to visit and try his food. He said he’s open to criticism and is willing to learn and improve his business.
“I know how to make good food and how to make my staff and customers happy,” Garcia said. “For a cook, it’s a dream to own your own restaurant one day. I finally had the chance, and I proudly took it.”
Wingbar & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit wingbarandgrill.com.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Wingbar & Grill restaurant opens in Corpus Christi’s Southside
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
