Bernardino Bugarin, father of Ruby, the original owner of Margarita’s – taken during the late 80s
For nearly half a century, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant has been more than a place to enjoy a meal. It has been the backdrop for first dates, birthday celebrations, family reunions, post-game dinners and countless everyday moments shared by generations of Pasadena-area residents.
Now, as the restaurant prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, owner Ruby is inviting the community to help preserve those memories.
Working with Pasadena Now, Margaritas is launching a community-wide effort to collect stories, photographs and memorabilia from customers and current and former employees whose lives have intersected with the restaurant over the years. The goal is to create a living scrapbook celebrating not only the restaurant’s history but also the people who helped shape it.
“We’ve been a household name in the community for almost 50 years,” Ruby said. “I run into customers everywhere I go, and they always have a story about celebrating something special here or coming in with their families. We’d love to hear those memories and share them with everyone.”
Over the coming weeks, Pasadena Now will invite readers to submit recollections of memorable meals, anniversaries, graduations, holiday gatherings, first dates, family traditions and other moments connected to Margaritas. Former employees are also encouraged to share behind-the-scenes stories and photographs from their years at the restaurant.
Selected memories will be featured in a special series of Pasadena Now articles leading up to the restaurant’s milestone anniversary. Historic photographs, vintage menus and other memorabilia are also welcome as part of the project.
Whether your connection to Margaritas spans decades or began with a recent visit, organizers hope the collection will reflect the many ways a neighborhood restaurant can become part of a community’s shared history.
Readers who would like to participate can watch Pasadena Now and Margaritas’ social media channels for submission details in the coming weeks. The restaurant hopes the project will not only celebrate its past but also preserve the stories that have made Margaritas a Pasadena tradition for generations.
