The difference, it was a restaurant he could finally call his own literally.  And it proudly bears the family name.  “I didn’t even go to my house,” Ramon said.  The Nayarit closed at 5:00 A.M.  I made a stop at Pioneer Market to buy some groceries and at 6:00 A.M, I opened my business.”
His tiny Echo Park restaurant barely had 25 seats, and the father of four at the time, knew it would be a financial gamble, pouring his savings in to the business and using his home as collateral.  He bought the business for $2,000.00 and Paid $85.00 for the rent that month.
Forty years later, Ramon, now 70, never imagined that he would leave a legacy and that his recipes would be a favorite among Mexico-food lovers.
The small cafe - originally with only a counter and four booths, is now considered a staple in Los Angeles, having survived earthquakes, riots, and recessions.