La Plaza Fiesta in national spotlight

Madelia, MN restaurant featured on America’s Best Restaurants

La Plaza Fiesta is more than a restaurant in downtown Madelia, Minnesota. It’s a family-owned business that has overcome major setbacks, rebuilt with local support, and continued serving its community.

Now, the hometown favorite is getting national attention as a feature on America’s Best Restaurants. This traveling web/social media series spotlights independently owned restaurants, cafes and diners across the U.S., showcasing signature dishes and the people behind them.

For owners Krystal and Daniel Hernandez, the recognition represents years of hard work and determination.

In February 2016, a fire destroyed seven buildings on Madelia’s historic Main Street, including La Plaza Fiesta. Krystal was eight months pregnant at the time and preparing to open a Mexican grocery store.

Rather than give up, the couple opened the restaurant temporarily at the local country club while rebuilding downtown. Their new location offered three times the seating capacity, and they were able to open Fiesta Market next door.

Heartland Energy helped support their recovery through its HELP Fund, providing a loan to help reestablish the restaurant and replace kitchen equipment.

Since then, the business has weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, water damage that temporarily closed its doors. Their story is one of perseverance backed by family, loyal staff, and a supportive community.

Heartland is proud to have played a part in La Plaza Fiesta’s recovery. Its national feature is a reminder of the resilience of small businesses and the important role they play in strong communities.

Watch the episode below or on America’s Best Restaurants’ YouTube channel.