Don Juan's Mexican Grill

Ismael Rodriguez is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. He has worked in multiple Mexican restaurants in Arizona for over 25 years. With so much experience, Ismael always had a dream. He hoped to utilize his skills and experiences to someday open a family owned restaurant and become a business owner with his wife, Martha Rodriguez.

In 2017, Martha's father, Juan Rodriguez, suddenly passed away and left many broken hearts. Martha vowed to her mother that if their dream of owning their own restaurant ever came true, it would be named in his honor.

This dream has been an ongoing goal for Ismael & Martha for over one decade, however, financially, they were not prepared to endure this journey on their own. To make matters worse, they also did not know what the business aspect consisted of and how to properly prepare. Martha & Ismael brought the idea of creating a partnership with their son-in-law, Everardo Chavez. They asked him,“¿Que te parace si nos convertimos en socios?” Immediately, Everardo responded excitedly,“¡Por supuesto! ¿¡Porqué no me lo preguntaron antes!?”

Everardo is a Glendale native, born and raised in the community. He is an Arizona State University graduate, Real Estate Broker, Private Lender, Investor, and overall Entrepreneur. Everardo would help bring the business know-how while Ismael & Martha manage the day to day. When Ismael & Martha introduced their vision to Everardo, he realized the passion, dedication, and huge potential. The opportunity of providing extraordinary authentic dishes to the community in a modern setting and bringing the spirit of family that Don Juan was known to provide to anyone that entered his home.

Devoted to making this vision a reality, Everardo, who had the business experience, went straight to work. In 2019, an incredible opportunity came on their radar; a prime restaurant location was about to become available on the commercial market. As smart future business owners, their priority was “Location, Location, Location!” So when they came across the establishment in the heart of Historic Downtown Glendale, they quickly acted on it and acquired it. The vision was starting to come together!

Neither Ismael or Martha had mentioned to Everardo the vow that Martha had made to her mother. Once the partnership was established, they didn't think it would happen. However, their daughter, Cristal, brought up Martha's vow and Everardo was on board. What a perfect name and story to personalize the experience they would provide to their customers. Cristal never told her parents about this conversation. Weeks later, when they obtained complete ownership, Everardo asked for them to meet at the restaurant. He waited for them on a community bench that directly faced the restaurant. As Ismael & Martha walked up with brimming smiles, they greeted him, "Que Paso?" to which Everardo replied, "¿Como se miraría?" Pointing at the space where the signage would be, he continued, "Don Juan's Mexican Grill..." The rest is now history!