Encanto Mestizo – Expanding a Family-Owned Restaurant inSylmar
Encanto Mestizo is a family-owned Mexican restaurant operated by Katia and Yessica Rojas. The owners come from a family with longstanding experience in the local restaurant industry, as their parents also operate El Camaronero Restaurant #1 and El Camaronero Restaurant #2. ICON CDC has also provided technical assistance support to the family’s existing restaurant operations, including connecting them with bookkeeping and accounting resources to help organize financial records and strengthen business operations. As Katia and Yessica prepared to open their new restaurant location in Sylmar, they connected with ICON CDC’s North Valley Business Source Center (BSC) for technical assistance services to support the business expansion process.
ICON CDC assisted the clients with reviewing and better understanding the terms of their commercial lease agreement prior to finalizing occupancy of the restaurant space. This assistance helped the owners identify important lease provisions, understand their financial obligations, and make more informed decisions before moving into the location. Additionally, ICON CDC connected the business with one of its subcontractors to assist with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensing process. Through ongoing technical assistance and guidance, the clients successfully obtained their ABC license, allowing the restaurant to expand its beverage offerings and strengthen future revenue opportunities. ICON CDC also provided workforce development assistance by helping the restaurant create and promote a hiring flyer to support recruitment efforts. Through these outreach efforts, the business was able to successfully hire two additional employees, including staff to assist with waitering/bartending responsibilities and an additional cook to support restaurant operations.
Throughout the process, the owners remained engaged and proactive in seeking technical assistance and business support services to help position the restaurant for long-term sustainability and growth. Today, Encanto Mestizo continues operating in Sylmar and contributing to the local small business community. The business demonstrates how targeted technical assistance services—including lease guidance, licensing support, bookkeeping referrals, and hiring assistance—can help small business owners successfully navigate the challenges associated with opening and expanding a restaurant business.
