Don Garcia’s Restaurant has become a family legacy in Hesperia
When Don Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant opened in Hesperia in 2010, owner Silviano Garcia hoped his eatery would become a family legacy of exceptional Mexican cuisine as well as the best of everything else.
He started with the restaurant’s name.
In Spanish, “don” is like “mister” but conveys a higher degree of respect or reverence.
‘Wow ‘em in, wow ‘em out’
The “Wow” factor started the day Don Garcia’s Restaurant opened. The atmosphere was everything, and this restaurant had it to spare. Hungry diners felt welcome the moment they stepped through the door.
After a warm greeting from friendly waitstaff, they were seated at a comfortable booth or table, given the very comprehensive menu and adequate time to read through it before placing their orders. While they decided what to order, they were served what many customers call “the best salsa and chips in town.”
Throughout their visit, servers made certain everything was to their liking.
Generous portions also became part of the tradition at Don Garcia’s.
Feeling right at home
Today, diners feel the same warm welcome.
The traditional Mexican fare at Don Garcia’s makes them feel as if they have been transported south of the border. The décor ─ framed photos of famous Mexican heroes as well as authentic memorabilia ─ add to the fun.
Family recipes rule
The menu was also a family affair.
Don Garcia’s Restaurant earned its reputation for dishes from recipes modified slightly from the foods Silviano enjoyed as a child.
The oldest of 12 children, Silviano knew something was always happening in the kitchen. He didn’t miss a thing, watching and learning from the cooks in his family who knew those recipes by heart.
Then as now, everything on the menu is made in house, from scratch and with fresh ingredients.
Success through generations
In 2014, the “original ‘Don’” moved to Lacey, Washington, a town near Olympia. He didn’t find any authentic Mexican restaurants there so, without missing a beat, he took “a leap of faith” and opened another Don Garcia’s Restaurant, which by all reports is doing very well.
Before he left, he handed the keys to the Hesperia restaurant to his youngest nephew Tony Garcia, who maintained the same high standards as did his uncle.
Eventually, his nephew Steven Garcia, who started as a busboy when he was in high school, took the reins and capably handles every aspect of running the restaurant as is the family tradition.
Steven knows the restaurant business from every level. He left the family business and worked for a short time for another restaurant and took the best of what he learned there to apply to his family’s place.
He worked as cook, bartender, dishwasher ─ everything from the front of the house to the back and out the door.
He knows the business so well he enjoys working with high school students who have good grades and a workers permit and who show an affinity for the restaurant business.
He says many of the students he has mentored are now managers who also understand the importance of hospitality.
The pandemic, the Don Garcia way
During the shutdown, Don Garcia’s Restaurant stayed open with takeout, outdoor dining with eight tables. It was almost “business as usual” but with a flair.
Back to business
Today, Don Garcia’s still serves favorite items like molcajete and chili verde, several kinds of fajitas and more. Their very popular Sunday brunch runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., all you can eat along with champagne or mimosas.
More special days include Taco Tuesdays, Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Margaritas $2 off and domestic beer, $2 off. Don Garcia’s also has a full bar.
Lunch specials? Got those too, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
Big shoes to fill? You bet, but Don Garcia’s also offers American dishes like burgers and chicken. Seniors 60 years and over as well as kids under 12 have special menus, too.
Catering and the holidays
Don Garcia’s caters a fabulous feast for corporate and family events with a comprehensive menu that includes enchiladas, street tacos, chile verde and steak picado.
With the holidays coming up, orders are now being taken for holiday tamales. Select from four flavors ─ pork chile verde, red chicken, queso with jalapeno and shredded beef.
When you go
Where: Don Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 14343 Main St., Hesperia
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information: Reservations suggested for large parties, (760) 244-3973. Dine in, take-out is available.
Dining Around
If you would like your restaurant profiled in Dining Around or want to tell readers about your favorite eatery, please contact Kathy Young by text/voicemail at 760-953-8682 or email kaynhuey@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Don Garcia’s Restaurant has become a legacy in Hesperia
