10/12/2026
🍽️ People Behind the Plate: Midwest Edition
Minnesota Spotlight: Jorge Gahona — Creating Great Experiences, One Guest at a Time
📍 Centerville & Elk River, Minnesota
Great Food. Great People. Stronger Communities.
Welcome to our latest edition of People Behind the Plate: Midwest Edition, where we highlight the incredible restaurant operators, foodservice professionals, and community leaders who make the Midwest foodservice industry so special.
This week, we're heading to Minnesota, where Lakeland Marketing Account Executive Scott Kjeseth recently caught up with restaurant owner Jorge Gahona.
Jorge is the proud owner of two Minnesota establishments:
📍 Kelly's Korner Bar & Grill — Centerville, MN
🌐 www.kellyskornerbarmn.com
📍 Tipsy on Main — Elk River, MN
🌐 www.tipsyonmain.com
🤝 A Restaurant Operator Who Puts Customers First
Scott has been calling on Jorge for several years, and one thing has always stood out: Jorge's dedication to customer service.
Scott shared:
"I have always been very impressed that Jorge wants his customers to have a great experience. It's very common to see him walking around the front of the house, making sure everything is running smoothly."
In an industry where every detail matters, that hands-on approach says a lot.
Jorge understands that great food is only part of the equation. Creating a welcoming environment, recognizing regular customers, and making sure guests leave happy are equally important.
🐟 What's Jorge's Favorite Menu Item?
When we asked Jorge to pick one favorite menu item, he didn't hesitate.
The Friday Night Fish Fry at Kelly's Korner!
According to Jorge, Friday fish fries are a local favorite and regularly bring in a packed house.
And Kelly's Korner offers much more than a great fish fry.
Inside, guests will find a spacious dining area, a large bar, a small stage area, and plenty of televisions to catch their favorite sporting events.
When Minnesota's warmer weather arrives, the outdoor sand volleyball court becomes a popular gathering spot.
And if you're a fan of a great Bloody Mary, Kelly's Korner is definitely worth checking out!
Kelly's describes itself as a welcoming neighborhood gathering place known for classic comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
After hearing Jorge's story, we'd have to agree!
🍸 Two Restaurants, Two Unique Experiences
Jorge's second establishment, Tipsy on Main in Elk River, offers a different dining experience while maintaining that same commitment to hospitality.
Tipsy on Main brings together modern rustic charm, farm-fresh flavors, locally sourced dishes, and handcrafted cocktails.
While the two restaurants have their own personalities, they share something important:
A commitment to great food, great service, and making every guest feel welcome.
💡 What Advice Would Jorge Give a Foodservice Sales Representative?
One of the goals of this series is to learn directly from the operators we work with.
We asked Jorge:
"What's one piece of advice you would give someone trying to sell to or service one of your establishments?"
His answer was something every foodservice sales professional should hear.
Jorge values representatives who bring solutions and fresh menu ideas, rather than simply trying to sell another product.
He believes the representatives who take the time to understand his business, recognize his challenges, and offer meaningful ideas are the ones who will ultimately earn his trust and loyalty.
That's a valuable reminder for all of us in foodservice.
The best sales relationships aren't built on what you sell. They're built on the value you bring.
❤️ What Makes the Local Community Special?
Our final question focused on something that makes Midwest communities unique.
"What's one of your favorite things about your local community?"
Jorge pointed to the tremendous support local residents show for fundraising efforts and youth sports programs.
Whether it's helping a local organization raise money or supporting area youth athletic teams, Jorge appreciates how the community comes together.
And that community spirit is a big part of what makes locally owned restaurants so important.
They're more than places to eat.
They're gathering places, supporters of local causes, and an important part of the communities they serve.
🌟 The People Behind the Plate
We want to thank Jorge Gahona for taking the time to share his story and for his continued commitment to the communities of Centerville and Elk River.
And a special thank-you to Lakeland Account Executive Scott Kjeseth for helping us recognize another outstanding Midwest foodservice operator.
At Lakeland Marketing, we're fortunate to work alongside operators like Jorge throughout the Midwest. These relationships remind us that our industry is about much more than products, menus, and case sales.
It's about people, relationships, and the communities we serve.
Next time you're in the area, consider stopping by Kelly's Korner or Tipsy on Main and supporting these locally owned establishments.
🍽️ People Behind the Plate: Midwest Edition
Real People. Real Stories. Stronger Communities.
Are you a Midwest restaurant operator or foodservice professional? What's the most valuable thing a sales representative can bring to your business?
We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Follow for more stories highlighting the people who make Midwest foodservice exceptional.
