A profile of local businesses: Milo's Munchies, Las Gaviotas, Farmers Insurance and Howard Training Center.
Milo’s Munchies might be starting out small, but owners already have a growing customer base and big dreams to provide Patterson residents with healthy food and drink.
The eatery opened Aug. 3, out of a truck on First Street. Joel Lomeli runs the business owned by his daughter, Nanette Lomeli.
“I sell healthy food for people who care about their health,” Lomeli said. “I’ve had a lot of comments already that people are really happy that I’m here.”
Lomeli stocks vegetables, such as beets, celery and carrots. He also stocks fruits, such as oranges, apples, strawberries, pineapples and anything else customers ask for — “You name it,” he said.
“In Mexico, it is very popular that people drink early drinks, breakfast drinks, especially people on a diet or with high cholesterol,” Lomeli said.
He has honey, nonfat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese and fruit salad. He also makes papaya smoothies with granola.
He says he must shop daily because his truck is so small. He said he eventually plans to open a bigger place in Patterson.
“My view is to have a business location over on Sperry by the new Longs,” Lomeli said. “That’s my goal — you always have to look forward. … Everything is mini-size here. A bigger place will be nice — a bigger place will be perfect.”
Milo’s Munchies, 401 N. First St., is open 10 a.m. to 10 pm. seven days a week For information: 829-2190.
Eatery has new owners
Jose and Sara Curiel say they are grateful for the support they have received from Patterson folks after taking over longtime Mexican restaurant Las Gaviotas three months ago.
The entire Curiel family works at the dining establishment from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Curiels, who are from Newman, bought the business from Juan and Ana Arreola, who owned Las Gaviotas for more than 17 years.
“That’s a long time cooking for the community,” Jose Curiel said. “We hope we can stay that long or longer.”
Las Gaviotas has a fresh coat of paint and new tables and chairs, but not much else has changed. The prices of food and drink have remained the same, Jose Curiel said, and the eatery will cook whatever customers want.
“We keep the same food — we hear people are happy with the food,” Curiel said. “We didn’t change anything.”
Las Gaviotas is at 525 S. Second St. For information: 892-6219.
Insurance agents are tops
Local Farmers Insurance representatives Martin Manzo and Jessica Garza were recently induced into the Farmers “Topper Club” of the company’s top sales producers for 2006.
The representatives’ Farmers branch opened March 2006 at 11 Plaza, Ste. F.
Manzo said the agents had a goal to write new policies to get the top prizes of a plaque and a trip to a resort in Phoenix, Ariz.
For information: 892-3024 or www.farmers.com
Training center recognized
Howard Training Center recently was accredited for three-year programs in several categories through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. CARF is an independent, nonprofit group that aims to promote the quality and value of services.
The Modesto-based training center provides more than 1,000 meals a day to senior citizens, including at the Patterson Senior Center.
CARF specifically accredited Howard Training Center in community integration, host family services, organizational employment services, job development, job support and job site training.
For more than 50 years, the training center has provided programs, services and training for adults with disabilities. It now offers 10 programs to give people the chance to hold a meaningful place in the community to the extent of their abilities.
To reach Maddy Houk at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed