About Our Restaurant

Having been abandoned by her husband, Lupe Cordoba and her three young children came to California from a small village in Michoacán, Mexico in 1966. She arrived with hopes and dreams of a better life for her family. Lupe had nowhere to live, no job skills, could not drive, and spoke no English. What she did possess was a strong work ethic and a determination to provide for her children. Eventually, she found employment at a poultry plant in Livingston and a part-time job as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant. In 1972, Lupe opened her first restaurant in Turlock. She called it La Morenita which means “little brown girl”, after her own nickname.

Lupe poured her heart into preparing and serving every dish. Over 30 years later, La Morenita’s award winning Mexican food is still enjoyed all over Northern California. Today Lupe’s children and their families continue to carry on her success. They are forever grateful for her sacrifice of love through hard work. Lupe’s story is a real life example of the American Dream.

Established in 1972.

In 1972, Lupe opened her first restaurant in Turlock. She called it La Morenita which means “little brown girl”, after her own nickname. Lupe poured her heart into preparing and serving every dish. Almost 40 years later, La Morenitas’s award winning food is still enjoyed all over Northern California. Today Lupe’s children and their families continue to carry on her success. They are forever grateful for her sacrifice of love through hard work. Lupe’s story is a real life example of the American Dream.

Service

From Our Restaurant