Que Ricos

By: Gustavo Castillo Sr

My four children and I at my 80th birthday party

I immigrated to Los Angeles in 1952 from Guadalajara, Mexico when I was 10 years old. I was one of 13 siblings and we came to the US looking for opportunity. Restaurants and hospitality ran in my family's blood. My father Jesus Castillo owned and operated a bar in Mexico. When he came to the US, he worked in the kitchen at Musso and Frank in Hollywood for 25 years. My first restaurant job was as a cook at the famous El Tepeyac in Boyle Heights. I was one of their first employees and worked there for 3 years.

My life has taken me on some amazing adventures. I had the opportunity to serve in the US Army as a Vietnam veteran where I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. After the army, I worked as a general contractor for 30 years where I built homes, offices, and everything in between. In 1966 I was contracted to build a diner in Long Beach; that restaurant would be the first of many over my career. I built over 100 restaurants including the first seven El Pollo Locos. In 1965 I became the general contractor for Tacos Mexico where I built over 40 restaurants for the chain. Eventually, I realized I should finally open my own. In 1993, I opened the first Que Ricos, a Mexican taqueria, in Arleta, CA on the corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Woodman Ave serving tacos, tortas, and burritos.

Me when I was in the US Army based in Ft Hood, Texas

Just 3 months after opening our doors, LA was hit with the Northridge earthquake, a destructive 6.7 magnitude earthquake. That morning, one of my employees called me and said, "the roof caved in, we won't be able to open". Getting that call was devastating; after months of hard work to open our doors I was sure that was the end of Que Ricos. When I got to the restaurant I realized the damage was not as bad as we expected and we opened our doors later that day. We were one of the only restaurants open after the earthquake and the next day was our busiest day of business ever.

I feel so fortunate that Que Ricos Fresh Mexican Kitchen has operated for over 30 years through challenges like the Great Recession and COVID-19. Operating a Mexican restaurant for decades means reinventions of the business and hard work, a trait my father instilled in me saying, "Los Castillo no se cansan" - Castillos don't get tired. While I am proud of the work my team and I have accomplished, I'm most proud of how Que Ricos has allowed me to raise a beautiful family. I have 4 children, 5 grandkids, and now 2 great grandkids. From my family to yours, we look forward to welcoming you soon at your nearest Que Ricos to serve you.

Picture taken of Que Ricos Fresh Mexican Kitchen in North Hollywood, CA taken by a customer