Marisela Rodriguez and Ana Jauregui grew up in Sonoma, and along with their sister and three brothers, they spent special occasions at La Casa restaurant with their family. As of April, the two sisters are once again together at La Casa – this time as owners of the restaurant.
Jauregui (pronounced “how-ree-gi”), who was a realtor at Coldwell Banker, and Rodriguez, who worked at Investor’s Trust, were talking about the downturn in real estate, and one made a humorous remark about how, “People always have to eat. We should be in the restaurant business.” Within a week, they were scouting out restaurant properties but not finding any they liked.
Although La Casa was not for sale, the sisters had fond memories of times shared there and an affinity for the Mexican-themed venue. The enterprising duo approached owner Ron Cuda and made him an offer, which he ultimately accepted: He would sell them the restaurant and retain the wholesale portion of the business. Rodriguez and Jauregui added to the staff, which now numbers nearly 30, and sought out a chef who could produce authentic dishes in the style of the Jalisco region of Mexico where their family came from originally. They hired Arturo Delgadillo, who had been the chef at Compadres in Napa Valley. “We have an all-new kitchen staff,” said Jauregui, “and we have developed a menu with fresh, local ingredients and a new bar menu with signature drinks that complement the foods.”
The sisters freshened up the look, employing local artisans to create new renditions of the furnishings and décor. It’s easy to feel transported south of the border by the gold and saffron-colored walls, tiled floors and the views of historic adobes. The restaurant has several discrete sections that allow patrons to choose the ambiance that they prefer, with seating totaling about 140 indoors and 30 on the back patios. “Visitors want to sit in the balcony section that looks out at the Mission,” said Rodriguez. “Bigger parties can take over a whole room for birthdays or anniversaries, and we use the outdoor courtyard for rehearsal dinners and larger events.”
A real test of their abilities came on the Fourth of July. “I unlocked the front door at 11:30,” said Jauregui, “and it was non-stop until we closed at 9:30.” Rodriguez, who had owned a restaurant with her former husband, was prepared for extra business, but even she was surprised by the size of the crowds. “It was amazing,” she said, “we were packed all day and night. But the kitchen was putting out great food and all the staff picked up the pace. Our reward was seeing so many happy and satisfied customers.”
La Casa Restaurant
121 E. Spain St.
707.996.3406
Open daily:
11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
