Behind the line is my dad and Executive Chef Alan Pronko, who received his training from the Culinary Arts Program at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Over the years, he has used his education, creativity and passion for the culinary arts at various restaurants, honing his skills at places like Jack’s Waterfront, Village Grille, Bo’s Brewery and Pike Street Restaurant. Before embarking on this restaurant adventure with his kids, he served as a Sous Chef for P.F. Chang’s China Bistro at the Somerset Collection for ten years. Additionally, he also has experience as a resident caterer for local movie productions, private parties and weddings. His culinary talent has been spotlighted by Fox 2 News as well as Eastern Market and WB20′s Fear Factor at Erebus Haunted House. When Al losens his apron strings he can be found listening to Elvis, heading downtown for a night of fun and relaxation or hanging out with me…not that we don’t hang out enough   

Though instrumental in opening our restaurant, my mom Angela continues to be employed with Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan as a Project Manager. When she is at work she can be found assisting individuals and families that are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Prior to her employment with Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan, she worked with Michigan’s Work First Program as well as the Kowalski Sausage Company and Sweetheart Bakery. Even though mom “works a real job,” on occasion you can find her at the restaurant checking on us kids and sometimes waiting on tables. Even though work keeps her busy, you will always find her selling our House Made Salsas at Eastern Market every Saturday. When she is not “working a real job” or selling salsa, you can find her flying around town, wearing a cape, helping those in need.

Fred developed his culinary skills under the direction and guidance of our dad. Training with dad at Village Grille, Bo’s Brewery and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro at the Somerset Collection, Fred gained all of the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a restaurant. In addition to his culinary expertise, Fred has nearly nine years of distribution and warehousing experience with Goldstar Foodservice Products & Equipment, Extreme Transportation and Simon & Leeman Produce Company. After the apron is off for the night, you can find Fred talking with his buddies about cars or cruising around town.  

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. I like to think I use my degree, but unless I am arresting customers…well, you get the point. Upon graduating, I worked as a Licensing Consultant for various non-profit foster care/adoption agencies in both Wayne and Oakland County. During my time as a social worker I started to express an interest in the restaurant industry and began catering events and private parties with my dad. Years later, my interest and enthusiasm to open a restaurant with my family remained strong, and the result was Maria’s Comida. After all our customers have been taken care of, I can be found at home brainstorming the next big thing!