End of an Era: Ranchero Mexican Restaurant and Cantina 1969 – 2018

The sign says it all….Thanks for the memories. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

The classic Sonoran style restaurant lost its lease on Foothill Blvd. in January and said a heartfelt farewell to people to who helped make Ranchero such a success, allowing them to survive longer than most restaurants in Pasadena. Their location at 2663 E Foothill was legendary for locals and visitors alike.

“It’s absolutely the end of an era,” one Facebook post reads describing the overwhelming sadness of seeing the Mejia.

“From earning the nickname Crash, to spilling an entire tray of glasses filled with water all on one guest, to the parties in the back room and the reunions, Jaime Mejia and the whole Ranchero crew always made me feel like family. My memories at the Ranch will stick with me for life and I’ll never forget the amazing people (guests and staff) I met there. Wishing the Mejias all the best in their next adventures!!”

Owner Jaime Mejia was born in Pasadena and has lived there all of his life. He participated in almost all sports, beginning in junior high through college. Upon graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, he landed a physical education position at High Point Academy in 1988. Jaime married Yvonne, who is also a physical education director at San Marino Unified. Jaime has 5 children: 3 girls and 2 boys. Besides his family, Jaime’s interests included running and managing Ranchero Mexican Restaurant (The Ranch), a family-owned business since 1969.

What made The “Ranch” so special? Ask anyone who ate or had a drink there, it was the people and the darn great homemade food that was consistent and always served with an extra heap of love.

It really was a family business in every sense, and the Margarita’s magical … especially the prickly pear and Cadillac.

It was a great run for the Mejia family and the people of Pasadena.

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