Spotlight On: Rosie Garcia and Amigos Mexican Restaurant

I grew up in Mammoth. I began working in the restaurant industry at the age of 11 at Giovanni’s in Mammoth. I loved it from day one. Since then I have always worked at a restaurant whether it was part time or full time. I moved to Bishop with my son in 2007. I always worked very hard to ensure he had a better future, and Bishop allowed me to do just that.  It was amazing to see my son grow up in this small town.

I have to admit, when your recent acquisition of Amigo’s happened, I was a little confused as I thought you were already the owner.  I’m sure I’m not the only one. Can you tell me a little bit about the history of the establishment and how these events transpired? 

Amigos was first opened by Javier Ruelas and Neil Zakar on October 1st 1992. It is my understanding Neil became sole owner shortly after. Jessica and Rich Williams leased the business and building for 8 years. I started my lease in December of 2018. I saw it as the first step to making my life long dream of owning a restaurant come true. It was a blessing despite the rollercoaster ride through covid. I was blessed by the community through it. I put my heart and hard work into it for five years. However, the contract I signed in 2018 read I had to lease it for another five years before there was an option to buy. I decided I couldn’t continue leasing  it, I wanted to be given the option to buy. However, the only available option for me or anyone else at the time was to lease Amigos, it was not for sale. On the Saturday before my lease was up, I was notified Jason and Danielle Fleenor were going to run Amigos. With a heaviness I couldn’t explain, I pushed through the next few days. On Thursday AM, my last day of the lease, I called Jason to come down to the restaurant to go through the inventory. Once completed, he asked why I wasn’t keeping it. I was speechless. I finally was able to speak and convey that I was no longer willing to lease it and that I had wanted to buy it. He then said, “What if I told you, I can make it happen for you today?” My mind started spinning. He gave me 30 minutes, in which time I called those close to me and who would support me through the process. Jason and Danielle came back, we were able to negotiate all the details and by 1:30PM I was dropping off the escrow check.

The unexplained heaviness was lifted, I could breathe again. I had planned a small farewell get together at Amigos, mostly staff and several of our extended Amigos family regulars were present. Karen and Pastor Jake stood by me when I announced I was able to buy it last minute. Pastor Jake did the honors of saying a prayer. Then we did a small ribbon cutting. The room was transformed into lots of congratulations and absolute bliss.  I was extremely happy, and still am.

What inspired you to want to buy the restaurant?

It was always a lifelong dream of mine to own my own restaurant.  And now I am finally getting that opportunity.

Are there any changes or improvements you want to make?

The first thing I want to do is to add a new floor throughout the entire restaurant.

Can you share a memorable customer story or experience you’ve had in your time working at Amigos?

I love kids, thus anytime I get to hold any of my little ones I am elated! Little Andy who always looks for me and wants me to hold him, and says “I love you, Rosie“, just fills my heart.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the community who rallied around you when they thought you were leaving?

I am grateful, I am blessed. I know it was the community, their prayers, hopes, wishes and words that made this Christmas miracle happen. I will be forever grateful. Thank you to all Amigos extended family near and far!