What's the Story? Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
Editor’s note: Originally posted October 26, 2016. Republished April 29, 2021.
We recently checked in with Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant and got the scoop on who they are and what they've been up to.
Who are you guys and what do you do?
Ricardo: I was born in Cuatla, Mexico. My parents raised me along with 9 children on a small farm in the country. Life was simple, but also very rewarding. I came to the United States as a young teenager and I have worked in the restaurant industry for 25+ years.
Since I was young, I wanted to own my own restaurant. Over the years I made sure to pay close attention to details pertaining to what it took to make a restaurant survive. I started with the basics: washing dishes, mopping floors etc., then learned to cook and so on.
I have an extreme passion for soccer. I enjoy watching and also playing. I also enjoy running, hiking, being outdoors and spending time with my wife Marci and our dog Vito.
Marci: I was born on the Kitsap Peninsula and raised on Bainbridge Island. I have lived in Washington my entire life and love it! I attended the University of Washington for 5 years where I obtained an MBA in 2009.
I enjoy being outside running, hiking, biking, and just enjoying the Pacific Northwest. I also really enjoy spending time with my family who lives close by on the Peninsula. I love life and learning new things every day. Most of all I love people and working in the hospitality industry.
I know you just celebrated Mazatlan's 4 year anniversary, how does that feel?
It feels fantastic!! Time has just flown by. We are both thoroughly looking forward to many more years here in Everett!
Is Mazatlan a chain?
No, we are a family-owned operation with 17 restaurants going strong. In 1968, our founding father Don Andres Cardenas introduced his family recipes to the Pacific Northwest. It is now our job to continue to provide this with our great Everett customers.
Is this the first restaurant you have ever owned?
Yes, Mazatlan is our first, but won't be our last!
How did your ownership come about?
Ricardo: I was working with my dear friend and now business partner at our sister Mazatlan in Mountlake Terrace. During this time, the Everett location was under construction and ultimately opened in 2012. Due to unfortunate circumstances, my friend's original partner was unable to continue his venture with Mazatlan Everett. My friend came to me and offered a buyout.
Marci was resistant at first. Around the same time we had planned a trip to Hawaii. I figured after a nice island oasis she may change her mind. Ha! By the time I got her back on the plane she was asking about attorneys and contract law. I had her hooked. I had little reservations and knew that she and I could make Mazatlan Everett great!
Marci: In all actuality, we both had always dreamed of owning our own place. It just happened a lot sooner than we had expected. The opportunity fell into our laps, and we had to act quickly before someone else moved in. Sometimes in life you have to take risks and make minor sacrifices before there is gain. Ricardo and I love to work hard, and are grateful to have the ability to share this journey together.
What makes Mazatlan different?
Everything is fresh! We both shop multiple times during the week to ensure the quality of our food is top-notch. It is not uncommon for us to make an extra trip to the store when something arrives from our distributors and it is not up to our standards. We also take great pride in the importance of hospitality versus serving with all of our staff members. We strive to hire warm, friendly, engaging staff to ensure the best experience for all of our customers.
Who should try Mazatlan?
Everyone should try Mazatlan! We have an extensive menu, which can be overwhelming at times, but at the same time also allows us to provide an array of ingredients that can be ready and served in any which way you would like them.
If you were stranded on Jetty Island, what 1 meal from Mazatlan would you bring?
Marci: I would bring carne asada street tacos, which are served on corn tortillas and are garnished with fresh cilantro, onions, and I add pinto beans. They can be eaten warm or cold and taste delicious.
Ricardo: Mar Y Tierra all the way! Carne asada, butterfly prawns, chicken breast, pico de gallo, rice, beans, and guacamole. Fiesta on a plate!
What do you most enjoy about owning and operating Mazatlan?
Every day is a new adventure. After 4 years, we are still learning new things as we go. We also adore our customers here in Everett.
Ricardo: I have worked all over Washington State over the course of 25 years, and Everett has been the most welcoming, caring, and kind to my wife and me. There is still a sense of small-town here which I love. I will be out in town running errands and see multiple people I know who all will stop and chat with me.
Anything else you'd like to add?
WE LOVE EVERETT! There are so many cool things happening and changing all around us. We are grateful every day to be part of it!
Are you getting hungry?
Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
1325 Pacific Ave
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 404-3084
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