Bernardino “Bernie” Bugarin arrived in the United States from Zacatecas, Mexico, when he was a young teenager, and worked hard. He washed dishes in other people’s restaurants. But in 1977, he and his wife Gloria opened one of their very own — Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, at 155 S. Rosemead Blvd. in Pasadena.
It is still there.
“My dad came here when he was 14-15 years old — very young, worked as a dishwasher in many restaurants,” said Ruby Bugarin, who now runs Margaritas.
The style of cuisine speaks of the family’s heritage.
Ruby’s mother Gloria had been cooking since childhood. Growing up on ranches in central Mexico, she learned from her mother and from nuns at her school.
“From a very young age — from 8 years old and up — my mom would cook for many, many people because on the ranches they would have to cook for the hands,” Ruby said.
Both Bernie and Gloria came from agricultural families in the Zacatecas region. The family’s culinary traditions drew from that area’s customs.
Amazingly, the restaurant’s name was not Bernie’s idea.
“My dad said a customer recommended that, and he thought, ‘Yeah! That sounds good, why not?'” Ruby said.
The family has held on to Gloria’s treasured founder’s recipes.
Ruby once revealed that they maintain a “family album of heirloom recipes” and culinary techniques passed down from their parents. She also pointed to longtime employees, who keep the traditions (and presentations) of the original food alive.
Ruby credited her parents’ labor for making the business sustainable.
“They really worked hard,” she acknowledged. “They made it possible for me to have a more balanced life. I really thank them everyday. Because of their hard work early on, I don’t have to stay here from dawn to dusk.”
Margaritas remains open seven days a week and continues to offer its champagne Sunday brunch, a longtime favorite staple.
The menu features traditional dishes rooted in the family’s Zacatecan heritage.
“Try us!” said Ruby. “You’ll like us!”
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 155 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena. For more call (626) 449-4193 or visit margaritaspasadena.com.
