Our story begins in the Yucatan Peninsula where my parents decided to move to the United States in search of the American dream. For years, they worked two jobs and raised four children saving all the extra money they could. After many years of hard work and sacrifice; opportunity came.

By 1969, they had saved enough to buy a small beer lounge. This pleased them, but they strived for more. By chance, the location next door became available and my parents took another risk to better our lives. They sold their bar, bought the property and opened the first Don Cuco in Toluca Lake, California. With much determination and many old family recipes from Yucatan, they had a good start but not much working capital.

My parents continued to give all they had and by the age of 13, I did as well. I washed dishes, bused tables, and filled in wherever I was needed. For many years we struggled, but all the hard work eventually paid off and still continues to do so. Don Cuco has been a huge part of my life. The family business has grown tremendously. I have branched off and opened two locations in Newhall and Moorpark.