R & K Brunch House, a vibrant culinary establishment known for its Mexican-inspired brunch offerings, has recently opened its second location in Heber City, Utah. The new restaurant, which opened its doors last month, occupies the building that formerly housed Betty's Cafe on Daniels Road, marking a significant expansion for owner Rene Pulido. The decision to branch out comes on the heels of positive customer feedback and a warm reception for the original location in Roy, which opened in April 2024. The Heber City restaurant has quickly garnered attention, with patrons sharing rave reviews on social media. "I won’t be going anywhere else for the Mexican hot chocolate and banana Nutella crepes," said Lisa Christopher in her online appraisal. Ellen Novelli echoed similar sentiments, declaring it the "best huevos rancheros" she has ever had. The menu at R & K Brunch House is a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes and American brunch classics, featuring items like “Fryzadillas” (fried quesadillas) and a hearty burger topped with a beef patty, carne asada, chorizo, and bacon. For Pulido, the standout dish is undoubtedly the chilaquiles, a beloved Mexican breakfast made with tortilla chips drenched in salsa, often accompanied by eggs. "I’m obsessed with them," Pulido remarked, emphasizing the importance of this dish in his culinary journey. He recommends the chilaquiles divorciados, which showcases both red and green salsas, a family recipe that has deep roots in his upbringing in Guadalajara, Mexico. Pulido's culinary journey began with his mother, who cooked and sold chilaquiles from their home, inspiring him to pursue his passion for cooking. Despite lacking formal restaurant experience before opening R & K Brunch House, Pulido spent years working in administrative roles and warehouse jobs after moving to Utah in 2000. He meticulously saved money to fulfill his dream of owning a restaurant, finally realizing that dream with the opening of the Roy location. The support from Pulido’s family has been instrumental in his journey. When he opened the Roy location, relatives from Mexico traveled to help him set up the kitchen, showcasing the strong familial bonds that underpin his business. The name R & K Brunch House pays homage to his children, Rene and Kenia, who frequently assist in the restaurant operations during weekends. Kenia, who works as a technician operator during the week, takes on various roles at the restaurant, from server to cook to dishwasher. Reflecting on her father’s influence, Kenia shared, "Every Saturday or Sunday morning, he would wake us up by saying, ‘Eat. Eat. Eat,’ in this monotone voice that felt like an alarm clock. It was always chilaquiles at the table, and the positive feedback we gave him planted the seed for his restaurant idea." This family-oriented atmosphere is a core value for Pulido, who aims to create a dining experience that brings people together. Notably, the Heber City location will not serve alcohol, despite numerous requests from customers. Pulido believes that maintaining a family-friendly environment is paramount. However, he faces challenges in attracting a consistent customer base, particularly during the late afternoon hours. The restaurant currently operates until 3 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and until 5 p.m. on weekends, but Pulido is optimistic that as word spreads, the Heber City location will thrive just as the Roy branch has. The closure of Betty's Cafe provided an ideal opportunity for Pulido to establish his second location, and he has been actively commuting from his home in Ogden to oversee the new venture. This dedication speaks to his commitment to ensuring that his restaurant not only serves food but also fosters a sense of community and family connection among its patrons. Looking ahead, Pulido has ambitious plans for the future. If the Heber City location proves successful, he hopes to open a third R & K Brunch House in either Provo or American Fork. As he continues to build his brand, Pulido remains focused on delivering quality food and a welcoming atmosphere, all while honoring his family traditions and the culinary heritage of his Mexican roots. R & K Brunch House stands not just as a restaurant but as a testament to Pulido's journey, his family's support, and his passion for bringing people together through food.