When you’ve been doing a specific job for many years, it is not uncommon for a little complacency to set in.

One thing you won’t find with Casa de Pico Owner Diane Powers is complacency. To this day, she shows up for work with the energy and initiative to always improve an already successful brand.

Opened in 1971 by Powers, Casa de Pico was originally located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Casa de Pico relocated to La Mesa’s Grossmont Center in 2005.

Mensajero de La Mesa caught up recently with Powers for an email Q&A.

Location: 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa

Phone number: (619) 463-3267

Website: casadepico.com

Social media: IG: @casadepico; FB: CasadePico; X: @CasadePico1

LMC: What goes into having a successful restaurant all these years?

Powers: It’s really a culmination of many things. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of so many wonderful people – from family and friends to our tight-knit staff and community – this has truly been a team effort. When I first started in the restaurant business, there weren’t many women owners, so it took a lot of unfailing dedication and, most importantly, passion to keep pushing through even when fear and doubt arose. I’m grateful that after more than 50 years, I’m still able to have the opportunity to work at something about which I am eternally excited. Also, of course, quality, fresh and consistent Mexican food, beautiful and festive décor and wonderful Mariachis and celebrations don’t hurt.

LMC: Given the challenges COVID presented to the restaurant industry, how has Casa de Pico managed to get through it all?

Powers: COVID presented a challenging time not just for us, but for so many in our restaurant family, but what helped Casa de Pico stay afloat is our supportive community and staff. With so much heaviness, we needed to keep the lively spirit and heart of resilience alive, so we adapted quickly by expanding our services so our customers could still enjoy the flavors and experience of Casa de Pico safely from home. Once restaurants were allowed to open, we expanded our outdoor dining in accordance with the safety guidelines and welcomed our customers eagerly. After so many days apart from each other, not being able to do the simplest things like greet our customers with a warm smile, every day feels like a gift. 

LMC: How important is it for restaurants to have worthwhile engagement with their customers both in-person and online? How does Casa de Pico go about making sure its customers are happy?

Powers: Cultivating relationships with your customers both in-person and online is of utmost importance. At Casa de Pico we’ve always considered warm hospitality to be one of our greatest assets. More than customers, we want those who visit Casa de Pico to feel like family and our staff members, and all, including restaurant manager Lino Rodarte, are quick to greet everyone with a welcoming smile. Our newsletter, review pages and social media pages give us the opportunity to engage with and stay connected with our customers too. On May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) we are introducing “Tequila Aventureros,” our exclusive tequila passport program, which will allow our customers to experience the rich history, delicious flavors and colorful culture of Mexico like never before. In partnership with San Diego-based CaliFino Tequila, the “Tequila Aventureros” is the ultimate gastronomic experience that takes people on a cultural journey to discover exclusive tequila creations, award-winning Mexican cuisine and vibrant Latin American folk art. We hope everyone will visit our Casa de Pico on May 5 or after to pick up their own passport.

And, our new “La Familia” program for all Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants and the Shops, allows our guests to stay on top of events, get recipes and access to monthly discounts and specials before anyone else. We invite people to join by signing up for our newsletter here: newsletter.bdmrestaurantgroup.com/.

LMC: Talk a little bit about how you’ve assembled good staff over the years from the cooks, waiters and waitresses, greeters etc.

Powers: I try to communicate an unwavering sense of care for my staff. Many of my employees are either families or employees who have stayed for 50+ years. Lino Rodarte has been with my restaurants for 44 years: 20 years at Casa de Pico in La Mesa and 24 years at Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad; three other key employees – Juan Carlos Orosco, Hilda Aguilar and Saul Mederos – have worked with us for decades. I’m continually striving to show an abating commitment to my staff. They are my family.