**The new owner of Cronk's Restaurant, Ramon Patiño, plans to open to the public in July.** *Photo by Lorena López Altamirano*

Ramon Patino, the owner of the historic Cronk's Restaurant in Denison, said the business would soon be open to the general public.

"We are putting the final interior touches on the restaurant for the grand opening I have planned for next month, if we don't find any other surprises,” he said.

Patino said that after he bought the restaurant, his initial plans were to make the necessary repairs to be open as soon as possible.

"But every time we fix something, something else needs to be fixed, replaced or rebuilt,” he said.

Patino has installed new flooring, electrical and lighting systems, air conditioning and refrigeration. In addition, the restaurant has been painted and the ceiling has been replaced.

**Patino shows the new wooden floor in one of the restaurant's rooms.** *Photo by Lorena López Altamirano*

"Now we realize that we must repair some parts of the roof because, with the recent rain, many pieces (of the ceiling) were damaged,” he said.

Patino said the expense to redo the parking lot has been “manageable” but that it was necessary because of the poor condition of the existing surface.

"We are renovating not only the concrete part of the parking lot, which includes the dividing lines of the cars as well as the lighting of the parking lot, but we are also building a second retaining wall on the north side of the parking lot since the previous one was about to collapse,” he said

Patino explained that when he bought the restaurant, he was clear about the expenses and repairs that he had to carry out, "but the truth is that more and more things are coming up. That's why I haven't opened, and I apologize to the public, and at the same time I guarantee that the wait will be worth it because Cronk's will be reborn like the Phoenix."

**The parking lot and retaining wall are undergoing total reconstruction.** *Photo by Lorena López Altamirano*

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Patino said that the specialty on the menu will be meat.

"Especially the steak and the prime rib. We will also combine the menu with dishes from Mexican cuisine, and on Sundays, we will offer an exquisite brunch-style breakfast with the best of American and Mexican food."

Patino invites all people interested to apply for positions ranging from general manager, chefs or cooks, and servers.

“I always tell applicants that if they like what they do, they'll have a job as long as they want, but if they don't like the functions they're going to perform at my business, they're wasting their time. Because what interests me is an employee who enjoys their work so that they can offer excellent customer service, which is my first principle as a businessman,” Patino said.

Cronk's Restaurant is steeped in its history, dating back to the historic Lincoln Highway (now Highway 30). It has been where many politicians from all parties have visited, not only to eat but also to campaign.

Cronk's was also a stop for Hollywood actress and Denison native Donna Reed when she returned to her hometown to visit.

Cronk's was founded by L.J. Cronk in 1929.

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