After nearly 50 years, Mexican restaurant in Kansas City is up for sale

Ponak’s, a Southwest Boulevard staple for decades, is looking for a buyer.

A listing published Monday by the commercial real estate brokerage Block and Co. says the restaurant and real estate at 2856 Southwest Blvd. is up for sale.

The listing cites Ponak’s “multiple food and beverage awards” and “consistent track record of exceptional profitability.”

Owner John Ponak could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and messages sent to the restaurant were not returned. Representatives from Block & Co. did not respond to requests for comment.

Ponak’s owns the building as well as several parcels surrounding it that serve as parking lots.

Opened in 1975 and known for its margaritas and Tex-Mex fare, Ponak’s is consistently one of the busiest Mexican restaurants in Kansas City.

A 1985 review of Ponak’s in The Star noted that Ponak, a former Marine, “declined to dream up a phony Hispanic name” for his restaurant. He instead “stocked the kitchen with good ingredients and turned it over to people whose ethnic backgrounds assured an authentic menu.”