New SLO restaurant serves Mexican comfort food inside a liquor store. Take a look
A new Mexican American restaurant just opened inside a San Luis Obispo liquor store.
Fat Jay’s Kitchen started serving up Latin American comfort food in early March at Cork n’ Bottle Liquor Store.
In addition to a deli counter, the store at 774 Foothill Blvd. has a full service bar as well as tables and chairs for patrons.
The owners of Fat Jay’s Kitchen have been developing its menu for years; perfecting recipes while working at different restaurants across the Central Coast.
Here’s what to know:
How did SLO restaurant get started?
Fat Jay’s Kitchen co-owners Miguel Fuentes and Jessie Orellana have been working in restaurants for decades.
Originally from Mexico City, Fuentes moved to San Luis Obispo about 28 years ago. He’s been working in kitchens and food trucks ever since.
Orellana was raised in Los Angeles in a family with Mexican, Salvadoran and American roots.
“I’ve been cooking all my life,” Orellana said.
He became friends with Fuentes two years ago when they met on the job.
The two originally planned to open up a restaurant in Atascadero. When the opportunity arose to take over the deli counter at Cork n’ Bottle, however, they switched gears.
Fat Jay’s Kitchen opened on March 3 with Orellana working the morning shifts and Fuentes covering nights.
Orellana said the name Fat Jay’s Kitchen comes from his nickname, Jay. He said he was slim in his younger years and bulked up later in life.
“So they call me Fat Jay,” Orellana said with a chuckle.
What’s the menu at Fat Jay’s Kitchen?
The menu at Fat Jay’s Kitchen features Mexican and American comfort food, which breakfast, lunch and dinner options ranging from breakfast burritos and chilaquiles to tacos, tortas and smash burgers.
The restaurant brings another cuisine to the table: Salvadoran food.
Menu options inspired by El Salvador include pupusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with different fillings including pork, beans or cheese.
The restaurant’s pan con pollo sandwich features slow-cooked chicken served on a warm french roll and topped with romaine lettuce, radishes, cucumber, pickled beets, hard-boiled eggs, dressed cabbage and watercress.
The lack of local Salvadoran food options prompted Fat Jay’s owners to add to their menu.
“We noticed there’s not really Salvadoran food out there in the area,” Orellana said, with residents being forced to venture to Atascadero or Santa Maria to find it. “We just thought it would be a good idea to bring it to SLO.”
Mexican restaurant offers deals on food, drinks
Since both owners of Fat Jay’s Kitchen have jobs outside the restaurant, they trade off managing the eatery.
Until the new restaurant generates a stable income, Orellana will continue working as a manager at Old SLO at The Cape, formerly known as Cape Cod Eatery, in Pismo Beach, while Fuentes will work as a cook at Los Mexas in San Luis Obispo.
“Right now, (business is) a little slow because we are new, but we put out promotions,” Fuentes said.
Menu deals at Fat Jay’s Kitchen include:
- Spend $13, get a 14-ounce beer for $2.
- Get three tacos and a soda for $12.
- Buy any item, add a 16-ounce soda for $1.50.
On Tuesdays, the restaurant offers four tacos and a soda for $10. On Thursdays, you can get a burrito for $10.
What are open hours at Fat Jay’s Kitchen in SLO?
Fat Jay’s Kitchen opens at 8 a.m. every day and closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
In addition to on-site dining, the restaurant has carry-out and delivery options as well.
For more information about Fat Jay’s Kitchen, follow the restaurant on Instagram or visit fatjayskitchen.com.
