Catrina's 10-Year milestone

Catrina's Mexican Grill celebrated its 10th anniversary on Dec. 17, and owner Marcela Bojorquez couldn't be prouder of this milestone. In 2014, she and her husband, Cesar Marquez, pursued their American dream by starting the business, trusting that with hard work and dedication, they could persevere.

They immigrated from Mexico 28 years ago and met in Bakersfield in 2007. Marcela is a Spanish professor, and Cesar had always wanted to open a restaurant because his family owned restaurants in Bakersfield. Both had worked in the industry. While living in Bakersfield, they commuted to Wasco for six months and grew to love the town's hometown feel. Eventually, they realized Wasco was the place they wanted to call home.

"So, we moved here in 2014, the same year we opened the restaurant. A month later, I found out I was pregnant. It was a difficult beginning; we were on our own. We had to work relentlessly to get the restaurant off the ground. It was hard, but everyone welcomed us with open arms. Now, I see this place as a family, and everyone who comes in feels like family."

In 2020, Cesar was diagnosed with cancer. "It happened at the beginning of the pandemic. They shut us down in March, and in April, we found out he had cancer. He passed in June. I feel blessed. These anniversaries are always bittersweet, but I'm here, keeping the dream alive. When he was sick, I worried I might have to close the restaurant and return to Mexico, but he told me, 'Don't give up, and promise me you won't go back there.' He reminded me that this country had given us so much."

Marcela shared that this year has been the hardest yet, with rising costs and raising her 9-year-old son, Daniel, on her own. "I'm doing my best to keep prices affordable, but it's one of the toughest economies I've faced. Still, I'm so grateful for my loyal customers who have supported us. My life would feel empty if I didn't have a restaurant to care for. It's where I socialize. My friends are here."

She also cherishes her close-knit relationship with her staff. "They are incredible. I don't see them as employees, and they don't see me as the boss. They're family. The waitress and the cook have been with me since the beginning."

Catrina's is known for its homemade chile verde, cheese enchiladas, chimichangas, chile colorado, fajitas, ceviche, chicken tortilla soup and albondigas, as well as its cucumber and Cadillac margaritas and mangonadas. "We have a full liquor license and take care of people. It's a family-oriented and friendly atmosphere."

Marcela remains optimistic. "I believe the economy will improve and businesses like mine will have better stability. I feel positive about the future of my restaurant and look forward to continuing to serve Wasco. For those who haven't tried us yet, I invite you to visit Catrina's this new year."

Catrina's Mexican Grill, 1345 F St., is open Tuesday-Saturday 3-8:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 661-758-3435.