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Casa Orozco, a culinary staple in the Tri-Valley, just marked its 40th anniversary — a testament to its enduring legacy as a beacon of traditional Mexican cuisine and familial warmth.
Founded on March 16, 1984 by Luis Orozco Sr. and Herlinda Orozco, along with their five children, Casa Orozco has become a cherished establishment in the community. From its humble beginnings in Dublin to its Livermore expansion just two years later, the family’s dream of sharing their culinary heritage has flourished.
For the Orozco siblings — Luis Jr., Maricela, Jesus, Carlos and Nancy — authenticity and family values are imperative in operating the business. They strive to make every guest feel at home, embodying the meaning behind the restaurants’ namesake, “Home Orozco” in Spanish.
“It’s like a fine-tuned orchestra,” Maricela Orozco-Barone, the eldest sister, said. “Each family member plays their part.”
Maricela recalled the beginnings of Casa Orozco over four decades ago.
“My parents were immigrants to this country and the idea of starting a business together was something that they really wanted to achieve. When the Dublin location was founded, we all immediately became partners in that restaurant,” Maricela explained. “Although some of us were still younger at the time, everyone pulled their weight.”
Jesus Orozco, the third-oldest child, elaborated on this: “Our mother and father were insistent from the very beginning that we were all seven equal parts. It’s been that way since we were children.”
Jesus recalled the first edition of the Dublin restaurant – adapted from a Kentucky Fried Chicken drive-thru – having limited indoor seating.
“We didn’t have any money to remodel right away so we had to stay very small for the first couple of years. We were so small our tables didn’t even have numbers, they had names,” he said. “Over time, we started getting busier. We started doing some remodeling and of course looking for a second location.”
Beyond the food, it’s the family’s unwavering bond, values and work ethic that have sustained them over 40 years in business.
“We do get along very well. We rarely have fights or arguments but when we do, it’s always something we can handle,” said Nancy Orozco-Arana, the youngest.
The siblings feel they owe a great deal of their success to their remarkable compatibility.
“There’s five of us and sometimes people can’t fathom how well we all work together,” Maricela said. “Even on our days off, we seek each other out. We really truly love and respect each other. Periodically we have disagreements, but we act as a democracy. Our parents taught us to respect one another, to respect each other’s opinion.”
“We’ve grown up in this restaurant, and it’s grown with us,” Jesus reflected. “Our parents instilled in us the importance of hard work and dedication — values that continue to drive us forward.”
The Orozco family’s roots trace back to Jalisco, Mexico. They have made it a goal to infuse the restaurants’ cuisine and atmosphere with the flavors and feel of their homeland. From classic Mexican dishes to handmade art, the two locations offer a journey that takes visitors south of the border.
Maricela explained she wanted entering Casa Orozco to feel like stepping into a piece of Mexico itself. Both sites display decor sourced directly from the country.
“We wanted to stay true to the architecture,” Maricela said. She referenced art, decor, grand chandeliers and tables that all hailed directly from Jalisco. “With the name ‘Casa’ we wanted guests to come in and feel that they were in our dining room, in our living room, or in our bar at home.”
The success of the Orozco clan has not been without its hardships.
“After 40 years we’ve seen two — maybe three — recessions and a pandemic. We have had some very deep challenges, but we’ve been blessed being part of this great community that through thick and thin they have really supported us,” Jesus said. “The Orozco nature is to be optimistic. We are glass half full people. This community has always proven time in and time out that they will support us.”
The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the restaurants, as it did many others across the globe. However, the community soon did its part to ensure that Casa Orozco would survive, and even thrive, through the pandemic.
“During COVID-19 we thought, ‘This is it.’ Without being able to have people dine in, we weren’t sure if just doing takeout and deliveries was going to be enough,” Nancy explained. “We had lines of people just waiting for takeout orders. It was really the community. They really did support us, and if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have come out of the pandemic.”
It was around that time that Casa Orozco launched its summer concert series. From May to September, the restaurant hosts live outdoor concerts for guests.
“The outdoor concert events were born out of COVID. When they opened up the state to outdoor dining we thought well we need something to entice people to eat outside. We decided to bring in live music. It was a huge hit, it was so successful we decided to keep it going,” Jesus said.
This year’s live concert series kicks off Cinco De Mayo weekend.
The siblings note that Casa Orozco is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place where generations intersect. Regular patrons return time and again, now bringing their own children to sit in the same booths they once occupied during their youth.
Nancy said it’s a testament to the legacy of their late parents and the enduring appeal of Casa Orozco, a place where memories are made and traditions are honored.
“We have a lot of large reservations in the banquet room. We do rehearsal dinners, baptisms, graduations and more, so it makes this place memorable for a lot of people,” Nancy said. “It gives me satisfaction that we were able to really make them happy and their occasion joyful. It is touching to hear so many stories of how we’ve affected people and how they have such great memories here.”
Jesus added, “My favorite part is interacting with the community. Going to work for me doesn’t really even feel like you’re going to work because we have so many regular customers who come in they become our friends. It’s not just about selling burritos, enchiladas, tacos and margaritas, sometimes it’s about offering something at a price that people can still afford.”
“I want them to feel that they are welcomed and appreciated and that they absolutely enjoy the experience, the atmosphere and of course the food,” he continued.
Employing over 150 staff members between its sites at 7995 Amador Valley Blvd. in Dublin and 325 South L St. in Livermore, Casa Orozco not only serves as a culinary hub but also as a pillar of the local economy.
“We’ve been able to have two busy restaurants in the Tri-Valley and employ thousands of people over these last 40 years,” Nancy said. “We have employees that have been with us for over 30 years. They feel like family as well.”
Amid their success, the Orozco family remains rooted in the Tri-Valley with no plans for further expansion beyond their current locations. However, they never rule out the possibility.
“The magic is it works for us because we’re involved. There’s always a hands-on owner at one of the sites. When you expand as a business, sometimes you lose that. We never say never, but right now that’s the formula that’s worked for us,” Maricela said.
“The reality is if you want to satisfy your hunger, you can go to a drive thru and pick up a burger. But when you go to a restaurant you’re going for the experience, you’re going for the ambience, or you’re going because maybe you had a bad day,” Maricela added. “At Casa Orozco, guests will be just that — home.”