Lago Vista Xpress Where West Coast flavors and Kansas Collide

Lago Vista Xpress:

Where West Coast flavors and Kansas Collide

East Topeka has a new must try grill that will make your taste buds dance. The Cubano sandwich is definitely something you need to put on your list of must try and of course their Lago Burrito and Taco Dog as well! You can taste a sense of pride in the flavors they offer because they make all the seasonings and salsas in house.

Miguel Cadena, owner of the new Lago Vista Express, is a third-generation restaurateur. His Latin Grill brings an East Coast and Caribbean flair to some of our Kansas favorites. He and his family love sharing their food and feel that serving our community is so rewarding and brings a sense of pride to them. His mother helps manage the restaurants, his son is an amazing line-cook and his daughter even helps out during the busy summer months.

“Food is another way to share a story. My journey has been different than the others around here, so I tell a different story. I am the third generation in this business so many of our dishes have just been refined and I've added a few things I've learned along the way.” said Miguel.

Miguel’s time as a gypsy chef, selling food at music festivals up and down the west coast gives some of his dishes a pacific flair while his experience as an executive chef at a fine-dining restaurant in Sitka, Alaska brings rich deep flavors to his creations. When you hear the name “Lago Vista” don’t assume that it’s “just another” Mexican food place.

Ultimately his desire to be closer to family brought Miguel to the Topeka area. He spent a season as the chef at Hookers and Reelers at Perry Lake before opening his own spot in the West Ridge Mall. In 2018, he decided to open Lago Vista at Perry Lake bringing the beach bar vibes he grew up with to Kansas.

Even at the young age of six, Miguel began to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. When he and his family would visit Mexico, his siblings would spend their vacation money on trinkets and treats from their uncle's store, but not Miguel. He would buy a case of individually wrapped caramel suckers to sell to the neighborhood children.

One thing that stands out about Miguel is that he isn't just out for himself. He believes that you can’t ask people to shop local without doing so yourself. He purchases as much ingredients as he can find locally, even his beef from Elm Creek. He also uses local vendors and businesses for all his service needs.

That isn’t all he does to support our local business community! He created a local Facebook group called “Topeka Foodies” to help raise awareness of local food and drink establishments. He also works with local nonprofit groups to help fundraise by offering a percentage of sales that they generate to be donated to support those groups.

Whether you visit Lago Vista Grill, Lago Vista Xpress, stop by their food trailer or see them catering an event you will not only be greeted with the most friendly and professional staff but a tasty bite to eat that will leave you wanting more.

We got to visit with Miguel about his hope and vision and we love his responses.

What do you hope your business will bring to our community?

“We strive to be a restaurant that the community is proud of. That real Topekans are making food here you brag about, when you are in another part of the world.”

What legacy do you hope to leave? “I want other people to see hope when it comes to getting into business for themselves. That they can achieve the impossible if they are willing to work towards it consistently. I want to impart that another small business shouldn't be seen as a threat; and to help others succeed in their business. There is plenty for everybody.”

What is your favorite item on the menu? “It changes for me. Most recently I was on a fried bologna kick and am now featuring a Cuban take on a fried bologna sandwich.”

If you are looking for event catering, corporate lunches or private dinners give them a call.

Thank you to New Small Business Story Sponsor