Los Angeles authorities paid tribute to the family that owns the iconic Casa Vega restaurant by naming a Sherman Oaks intersection as “Vega Sq.” during a ceremony held on Cinco de Mayo.
The event, held at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Fulton Avenue, recognized the contributions that the Vega family has made over decades to the city’s culinary and cultural landscape.
“Casa Vega is the best of Los Angeles, a family legacy forged through hard work, culture and heart, and the place where some of the most delicious Mexican food in our city is served,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “What started with an immigrant family from Tijuana has become a beloved institution that, for almost 70 years, has brought people together and strengthened our community.”
Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez were among those attending the celebration, along with Christy Vega, owner and CEO of Casa Vega, daughter of founder Ray Vega.
The origins of Casa Vega
The Vega family’s presence in Los Angeles dates back to 1936, when, according to the family, Rafael and María “Mary” Vega opened Café Caliente on Olvera Streetthus contributing to the establishment of Mexican-owned restaurants in the city at a time when they were not yet so popular or abundant.
Founded in 1956, the restaurant has become a standard gathering place, known for its traditional cuisine and for having appeared in films and television productions over the years.
“What makes this even more meaningful is what it represents beyond ourselves,” restaurant owner Christy Vega told the crowd at the event. “It’s about the Latino families, the small businesses and the people who, day by day, have turned Los Angeles into the city it is today”.
This recognition comes at a time when the Vega family is going through a stage of expansion and reflection. In March, the restaurant opened the Ray Vega Patio, a roughly 3,000-square-foot outdoor dining space.
Casa Vega… Once upon a time in Hollywood
The restaurant is also famous for having long attracted Hollywood figures and returned to the spotlight after appearing in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”and has also appeared in episodes of The Kardashian Family, among other television shows.
But beyond fame, his business, which turns 70 this year, is a representation of the immigrant community and what it means to achieve the American dream.
“Although Vega Sq. carries our family name, today is really about paying tribute to my father: what he built, what he stood for and the values he passed on to all of us, as well as my grandparents, who opened their restaurant in 1936,” Vega said. “Casa Vega has always been more than just a restaurant. It’s about family, tradition and creating a place where people feel at home.”
Moving forward after overcoming the pandemic
Like many businesses in the city, Casa Vega was not only harmed by the pandemic, which led many restaurants and businesses to have to close their doors completely, but has had to deal with immigration raids, which have greatly affected all types of businessessince many people are afraid to go out to eat as often as before.
“I have seen how restaurants across the city have struggled in the wake of the pandemic and continue to fight to survive to keep these jobs open that allow people and their families to earn a living,” said Councilwoman Rodriguez. “That’s why It is important to pay tribute to traditional businesses like Casa Vega and to all Angelenos who, with their efforts, have created jobs and spaces where families can celebrate their most precious moments.”
After the ceremony, Casa Vega opened its doors to offer a special Cinco de Mayo brunch, with a festive menu and cocktails, kicking off an all-day celebration with mariachi music and more. At the end, Vega said that the day was very special and emotional, since it made her reflect on everything her family has experienced after keeping their business running.
“My grandparents and my father came to Los Angeles from Tijuana with a dream. And, like so many other immigrant families, “What he built was not only for us, but also for this city,” Vega said. “Thank you to our community, who fills our chairs every day, and to my father, whose vision we continue to carry forward.”
