Pictured are: Graciela Picos, Alex Ramirez, Anur Campante, Cynthia Picos and Arturo Reyes.

Don Pedro’s Restaurant is May Business of the Month! Brothers Ricardo and Pedro Mena are in the business of making people happy – every day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. They do it too – by serving great food in generous portions and providing a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Mena brothers own and operate a string of Mexican restaurants called, Don Pedro’s. The five restaurants are located in Heber City, St. George, Green River, Wyo., and two in Evanston, Wyo. Soon they will add a sixth to their chain. It will be located in Vernal.

District Manager Arturo Reyes said the brothers were working at a restaurant in Seattle, Wash. when they wooed to Evanston. Reyes said, “It turned out to be a pretty good deal for them.” That was 12 years ago. Today, with hard work, dedication to quality and good family, the brothers were able to turn one restaurant into six.

Reyes, who has worked for Don Pedro’s for seven years, said through the years there have been set backs. The brothers opened and closed restaurants in Midway, Pleasant Grove, Salt Lake City and Kemmerer, Wyo. In spite of these disappointments, the brothers continued to move forward.

One of the biggest challenges in keeping the restaurants running smoothly is employee retention. Reyes said he is losing many of his employees to today’s booming construction industry. Many of the restaurant employees are taking jobs in oil fields, housing developments and general construction. Fortunately, there is a strong component of family involvement which helps keep the restaurants’ workforces stable.

Reyes said although there is “[a lot] of work behind the door,” he loves the restaurant business. “Every day is different – with the people, the employees, the kitchen.” He said it is challenging and satisfying to be presented a problem and then figure out how to fix it. He said in his job he has to be quick on his feet plus have the ability to think fast and be flexible.

Don Pedro’s is dedicated to doing their best every day, said Reyes. “We just think of our customers always. Our business is the people coming in that door,” he pointed to the front door of the business. “And [making sure they] are happy when they leave through that door.”

Don Pedro’s Restaurant is located at 1050 S. Main St., Heber City. For information call 657-0600.