Our Story

Jesus “Chuy” Flores, known as a happy and sentimental man, founded El Zacatecano in 1973, naming it as a nod to his roots in Zacatecas, Mexico while embracing his identity as a Californian. Originally, he ran the restaurant before selling it for a time, but his deep connection brought him back to buy it again. Chuy continued to run El Zacatecano until 1992 when he tragically passed away from a heart attack in the parking lot. Afterward, a brother briefly managed it before Gabriel’s father took over. When his father became ill, Gabriel stepped in, fulfilling a childhood dream he never realized he had—running the restaurant he had admired since he was three years old. Today, El Zacatecano remains a beloved cornerstone of the community, treasured by loyal customers, some of whom have been coming since the 1970s and 1980s. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where generations have grown up, bringing their own families to create new memories. Gabriel, now the third-generation owner, views consistency as key—ensuring the food tastes as good as it did a decade ago. He credits his success to the employees, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over ten years, and sees them as a second family. Gabriel works alongside his uncle, who’s been part of the business since the 1970s, and describes their work as more than a job—it’s a shared lifestyle. With a background in animation, Gabriel balances creativity with dedication, caring deeply about the customers who have made El Zacatecano their favorite place to gather.