Meet the Owners
Growing up in the Chicago area, Chef Manny Salinas was no stranger to exceptional food. Not only did he earn a degree in culinary arts from The College of Lake County (“Cucina” in the logo is a nod to his Major in Italian cuisine) but his biggest culinary influence was at home. His mother, affectionately called “Mama Chuy”, was born in Madrid, Spain and brought her recipes to the dinner table for all of her 12 children. Yes, 12. Much of the fare that is served at Olde Madrid are her creations and her son is honored to carry on the tradition of cooking with love and passion, as she still does.
Not even knowing that this gem of a city existed, Chef Manny ventured to Racine, WI to assist with the opening of The Historic Century Market, formerly on 6th St. There, as co-workers, he met his future wife Natalie (nee Pope) and as they say, it was all history from there! They opened Olde Madrid in 2007 amid a poor economy and the start of a three year construction project, literally at their door step. They attribute their longevity and success to their extremely loyal customers and God’s continued blessings.
The Salinas family pictured here with their daughter Esther and four sons Jonah, Abel, Ezra and Felix.