OWNER, EL CHOLO RESTAURANTS
WHY: Operates six locations of LA’s third-oldest Mexican restaurant; still runs family-owned business after 60-plus years; also owns The Cannery and Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach.
IN THE NEWS: Celebrated 100 years of El Cholo restaurants founded by his grandparents in 1923; going on sixth generation. Received Longevity Award at Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business Awards in May. Opening first ever out-of-state location in Utah.
NOTABLE: Business Journal’s 2023 Restaurateur of the Year.
QUOTABLE: “It’s an ode to what my family built and it’s my job to keep it going and pass it on.”
