Three young entrepreneurs are introducing the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Nürtingen with the grand opening of Joe Peña’s, their new restaurant located along the picturesque Stadtbalkon by the Neckar river. This Thursday marks the establishment of new culinary roots on Nürtingen's Flaniermeile, adding to the area's growing gastronomic scene.
Christian Wohlfahrt, alongside his partners Michael Raisch and Simon Bangert, expressed their enthusiasm for this new venture. “We have been searching for a franchise partner for some time, and Joe Peña’s was a fortunate discovery for us,” he stated. By stepping away from their food truck roots, the trio aims to present authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails to the community.
The restaurant's location, which Wohlfahrt calls the most beautiful along the Neckar river, has contributed to its allure. Two days prior to the official opening, the team hosted a festive gathering to celebrate their new milestone, featuring live music from mariachi bands and plenty of traditional food. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable as guests arrived to find the bar adorned with 200 different cocktail options and twelve homemade types of tequila.
Joe Peña’s hosts approximately 100 seats indoors across two levels, with plans to accommodate another 120 guests on their terrace—an inviting space for anyone wishing to enjoy their meal outdoors. The restaurant’s appeal extends beyond just its location; it's also characterized by its folkloric decor featuring colorful tiles and lush plants.
The menu, curated by Chef Aaron Frohs, promises authenticity and freshness with no industrially prepared components. Classics like filled tortillas, sizzling fajitas served sizzling, and fresh homemade sauces like guacamole are just some of the options diners can look forward to enjoying.
This entrepreneurial trio has spent nearly ten years together, initially focusing on mobile food trucks—under the name “Die Sattmacher GmbH”—where they served everything from pinsa and fries to Mexican chili con carne at various local events. They have organized numerous street food festivals, showcasing their culinary passions across Nürtingen and beyond.
“Food is our passion,” declares Wohlfahrt, as he reflects on their prior experiences. They’ve made their mark at significant events like the Esslinger Hafenmarkt and various street fairs. Their dedication to bringing together the community culminates with future entertainment plans at the Stadtbalkon, including the upcoming Nürtinger Musiknacht.
The opening of Joe Peña’s adds more than just variety to the local dining scene; it symbolizes a commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement. With additional locations across Germany and one planned for Slovenia, this new venture serves as both the culmination of years of teamwork and the beginning of yet another exciting chapter for Wohlfahrt, Raisch, and Bangert.