Pasadena, California – A true Southern California institution, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, marked an extraordinary milestone this Wednesday, celebrating 103 years of непревзойденное culinary tradition. Alice Mijares Recendez, 91, a living embodiment of the restaurant’s legacy, fondly recalls every moment of this remarkable journey.
“It feels like it all happened so fast,” Alice shared, reflecting on the centennial achievement. “I can’t believe we’ve been here 103 years… it’s truly unbelievable.”
The story of Mijares began in 1920 when Alice’s mother, Jesucita Mijares, emigrated from Jalisco, Mexico, to Pasadena with a vision. She established “Mijares Mexican Restaurant,” initially featuring a small tortilla factory in the back. “There was a sign in front that said ‘Mijares Mexican Restaurant’ with a little tortilla factory in the back, and so that’s how she started, making her tamales and her tortillas and that good stuff,” Alice recounted, emphasizing her mother’s exceptional culinary talent: “She was a tremendous cook.”
For over a century, Mijares Mexican Restaurant has remained a fixture at its original location on Palmetto Drive, a testament to its enduring appeal and deep roots in the community.
Tom Recendez, another family member, explained the historical significance of their location: “Our grandmother purchased the property here, which were four houses. The largest of the houses on the property was the restaurant that burned in 1979, but the house that’s behind us, which is now our banquet room, was our grandmother’s original home where we lived.” This location has witnessed the restaurant’s resilience through numerous challenges, from the Great Depression to a devastating arson fire and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked about the secret to their longevity, Tom pointed to the unwavering strength of “Family. It’s strength. We don’t always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, we’re family. We have to stick together.”
The restaurant’s enduring success is attributed to its commitment to authentic Mexican flavors, the allure of their classic margaritas, and, fundamentally, Jesucita’s cherished original recipes. These elements have solidified Mijares Mexican Restaurant’s position as one of the oldest and most beloved dining establishments in the Los Angeles area. Alice fondly remembers her decades working at the restaurant, upholding the family’s tradition of unity and hard work.
“I was a waitress for 30 years, I was a busboy, I was everything because our mother taught us to work and also to be united,” she stated, highlighting the family’s ethos.
The family believes Jesucita would be immensely proud of the thriving legacy she initiated and the generations who continue to nurture it. “We were taught by our grandmother, and our mother, now four generations here, and we love it,” Tom affirmed. “We’re going to keep rockin’ it.”
Looking ahead, the future of Mijares Mexican Restaurant appears bright, with the next generation already stepping in to contribute. Two great-granddaughters are currently working at the restaurant, ensuring the family tradition continues for years to come.
To experience the taste of history and authentic Mexican cuisine, visit Mijares Mexican Restaurant’s website.
