DES MOINES, Iowa — One year ago, Winn & Sara's Kitchen operated their two shops in Norwalk and Indianola, respectively, but had one bigger goal in mind: the Iowa State Fair.
After enduring the lengthy waiting period to become a fair vendor, the family-run business received the call from to be invited.
"They called, and I go: 'They did?'" Winn & Sara's Kitchen's Andrew Sayasane recalled the conversation he had with his father after the fair called the business. "[And my father] goes: 'I don't know but it could have been a scam.' And then they showed up to the restaurant, so it wasn't a scam. It was very real."
Now working on the fifth day of the Iowa State Fair as a vendor, Winn & Sara's Kitchen has been named to the fair's Best New Foods list; joining Watcha Smokin? BBQ's Iowa Sm'oak'ed Roll and Destination Grille's Lobster Corn Dog.
Even though all three businesses are right next to each on Logan Street on the fairgrounds, Sayasane told Local 5 News: "Everybody is wonderful. I call them the fair family. We're all just one big happy family here."
Sayasane added that he's happy and proud of how far his parents have come, from immigrants to starting their own business to selling their food at the Iowa State Fair.
"It just means the world to us. I'm so proud of my mom and dad both of them coming here. Wanting to have the 'American Dream.' Opening and running their own business," he said.
Now Winn & Sara's Kitchen await the winner of best fair food.