In the late 1980s, nestled in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, a humble kitchen was born from the rich heritage of the Hernandez family. Under the name La Mexican Kitchen, Martin Hernandez and his sister Lucy set out to bring the authentic flavors of their homeland, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, to the plates of their new community. Growing up in a family of 15 siblings, Martin and Lucy understood the importance of family and hard work, and they infused these values into their business.
By 1989, the Hernandez family had planted new roots in Springfield, Missouri, where they rebranded as Primas Mexican Kitchen. They were driven by a singular vision: to create a welcoming space where families could come together and enjoy the traditional flavors of Mexico at an affordable price. With an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes, Primas quickly became a beloved dining destination.
“We wanted to bring the essence of our childhood meals to the table,” Marisa shared, reflecting on her father’s vision. “In Mexico, eating out wasn’t common, and even having meat for dinner was considered a luxury. Primas was our way of sharing the flavors and traditions we grew up with, in a way that everyone could enjoy.”
The culinary roots of San Miguel have been a guiding force in developing Primas’ menu, with traditional techniques and ingredients at the forefront. The result is a diverse array of dishes that cater to all tastes, ensuring that everyone who dines at Primas finds something they love.
But as time passed, the Hernandez family felt the pull to expand their culinary horizons. By 2023, a new concept emerged, one that would allow them to explore different flavors while staying true to their ethos of family and community.
“Bistro 160 was an exciting new adventure for us,” Marisa explained. “We wanted to offer something different—a place where people could come together for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and experience a fusion of American and Southern flavors with a touch of our Latin heritage.”
The menu at Bistro 160 is a testament to this vision. Take the Green Chile Omelet, for instance, which marries the smoky heat of green chile salsa with shrimp for a breakfast dish that’s bursting with flavor. Or the Harper Toastie, a delicious combination of fresh sourdough bread, pesto, crumbled queso fresco, tomatoes, and onions, topped with a perfectly cooked egg and paired with diced sweet potatoes drizzled with agave syrup.
“We’ve always been committed to using healthier, whole ingredients in our kitchens, and Bistro 160 is no exception,” Marisa said. “From hormone-free meats to freshly prepared dishes, we want our guests to feel good about what they’re eating.”
Recently, Bistro 160 expanded its offerings to include dinner service, complete with a carefully curated wine list and signature cocktails like Bloody Marys and flavored Mimosas. The dinner menu, overseen by Brandon Blaine, features hearty entrees like the Bourbon-Glazed Sirloin, served with crispy green beans and loaded mashed potatoes—a dish that’s already becoming a local favorite.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that Bistro 160 offers the same welcoming experience that our guests have come to love at Primas,” Marisa emphasized. “It’s about inviting people to our table, whether they’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”
The Hernandez family’s dedication to their community extends beyond their kitchens. For over 35 years, they’ve been active supporters of local schools, and many of their staff members are high school and college students from the area. Martin, his wife Terry, and Marisa can often be found in the restaurants, along with their youngest daughter Emma and granddaughter Harper.
“We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built,” Marisa reflected. “Our guests are like family to us, and we’re always excited to welcome them into our restaurants. Bistro 160 is our latest chapter, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
From hormone-free meats to freshly prepared dishes, we want our guests to feel good about what they’re eating.
Marisa Hernandez