Business & Tech

Mi Casa Claims Four-Decade Heritage at Grand Opening

The Mexican restaurant's grand opening weekend has drink specials and bands—and an original restaurant with a 40-year track record.

has been opened since May 7—five days short of the 40th anniversary of the opening of the original location in Costa Mesa—but it's celebrating this weekend.

The two-day extravaganza began with comments from Mayor Tony Beall, proclamations from the offices of local politicians, and included a mariachi band and Goliath-sized portions of food.

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The event continues Saturday with drink specials from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and  The Creepers performing on the patio beginning at 7 p.m.

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Owner Ryan Moore is a third-generation owner. He purchased the Costa Mesa store at the 17th and Santa Ana in 2010 from parents Rick and Lee Moore. His grandfather, Barrie, opened the store on May 12, 1972.

"I was able to do some things he was afraid to do," Ryan Moore said of taking over the original restaurant in a down economy."I always wanted to do a second store and RSM came about quicker than I thought."

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He said the permitting process was a piece of cake. "We got a permit, I cut a check and it was done," he said. "My contractor said they were easy to work with."

A couple of times, a long relationship was mentioned during speeches behind the RSM Chamber of Commerce sign that had a red ribbon atop it to be cut with a giant pair of scissors. Moore cut the ribbon with his wife Nathalie at his side and his parents looking on from a few feet away.

"Decades and decades," Beall said at one point, which would be great news for a location that has housed least three restaurants over the past two years.

Moore cut the ribbon with his wife Nathalie at his side and his parents looking on from a few feet away.

Check the video for highlights of the first day of the two-day grand opening celebration.


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