Noel Melendez

El Patio and Los Portales are staples of Ponca City’s restaurant community, locally owned food establishments renowned for their traditional Mexican cuisine. The Melendez family has poured so much heart and soul into the business that they have been able to expand outside the confines of Ponca City, and under the leadership of Noel Melendez, they are not only looking forward to the future, but benefiting the Ponca City business community at the same time.

Melendez has been a part of that family tradition for more than a decade.

“I have contributed to the growth and success of our family-owned restaurants by taking a leading role right after high school,” he said.

The strong success of the businesses comes from humble beginnings in the Melendez’s native Mexico, which he has fond memories of today.

“Growing up in rural Mexico, we didn’t have electricity or running water. Some of my best memories were using a car battery to power our TV,” he said, adding that they would turn the TV off during commercials to protect battery life.

“We didn’t have much, but we were happy. These precious life experiences have made me appreciate and be truly grateful for everything I have, never taking anything for granted.”

Today, however, they are looking toward the future of the restaurant business and bringing in new technologies for continued success.

“During these last 13 years, I have made sure to stay on top of the current market trends, including integrating new technology that’s allowed me to work remotely and focus more on company growth behind the scenes,” he said. “In order to be innovative and grow, I believe it is important to take risks and not be led by fear.”

They have seen growth, opening four additional restaurants across the state, along with a coming facility in Enid. As for the expansion itself, Melendez is part of that process, too.

“Through the years of opening new restaurants I have had to ‘wear many hats’ and learn the basics of many trades,” he said. “While managing construction projects, I work with trade professionals, such as engineers, architects, electricians, carpenters, etc., and my growth and success is also their growth and success.”

El Patio’s and Los Portales’ support of the community goes much deeper than that, including donating to local youth events, as well as sponsoring many events community-wide, he said. They also provide employment opportunities to locals looking for a job.

He has also stretched out into other segments of the business industry, specifically remodeling the Busy B Arena, turning it into an event center for the community.

Melendez, is personally involved in the business community of Ponca City, helping promote other businesses in the area.

“I am currently a Ponca City Chamber of Commerce board member, giving my time and expertise as a local business owner to support the mission of growing and promoting Ponca City,” he said. “I also support my church to help local citizens in need.”

He still maintains strong ties to Mexico today to preserve family heritage.

“Something most people don’t know is I grow agave in Mexico,” he said. “This helps me keep close ties with my cultural roots.”

Even with a growing family business, the Melendez family remain humble about their success, attributing it to the support of the community.

“We take pride in our restaurants and continually strive to be a top dining choice for Ponca,” he said. “I believe El Patio and Los Portales are more than just local restaurants; we are considered home to many of our locals.”