When asked what El Tepeyac Café means to him, Carlos Thome answers without hesitation: “Family,” he says. “When everybody comes in, they enjoy a meal together. As soon as you walk in, you get a warm, cozy feeling.” His words come easily, but behind them lies a story of hard-won fights, perseverance, and gigantic burritos.
El Tepeyac Café is part of El Camino of the Fighters, a series that shines a light on Latine-owned, family-founded, and run small businesses—unsung heroes in their respective communities. Likewise, Modelo aligns its commitment by honoring these and other everyday fighters who have built their stories from the ground up, shaping the legacies and economic landscapes of their cities.
Founded in 1942, El Tepeyac Café has been an integral part of Boyle Heights—not just as a neighborhood eatery, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. Located in a charming house on a hill, El Tepeyac began as a hamburger stand that soon featured Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and antojitos. Carlos’s grandfather found his calling here after trying his hand as a barber and photographer. When he passed away, his son, Manuel Rojas, took over, transforming the business into something greater than anyone had imagined.
Manuel was a force of nature, welcoming customers with stories, jokes, and the occasional shot of tequila. A fighter since childhood, Manuel faced his own early struggles—born prematurely and battling pneumonia—but always met life head-on. Boxing became both his passion and his solace, a reflection of his approach to the daily grind of running a small business. “He kept fighting,” says his daughter, Elena Rojas.
El Tepeyac Café became Manuel’s life’s work and his family’s legacy. Elena grew up in the restaurant—first as a child perched at the counter, later helping run the business. She built close bonds with staff and regulars alike, many of whom still visit today. “I would go around talking to all the employees,” she recalls. “They were all like family to me. And the customers eventually did the same thing. I still see them every weekend. Same customers, all the time.”
That legacy has now passed to Carlos, who began shining shoes at El Tepeyac years ago. He worked his way up from the kitchen to management and now runs the café with his wife. Their son—the fourth generation—has now joined the family business.
El Tepeyac’s reputation has been earned through hard work, serving exceptional food, and giving back to the community from the beginning. Elena recalls how Manuel would feed those who couldn’t afford to pay, and kept the doors open late for anyone who knocked—firefighters, nurses, city workers, or neighbors. Their loyalty was forged in service and generosity.
The café’s customers lean on El Tepeyac for comfort and joy during hard times. Elena shares a story: “This couple came in and told me the guy’s father had passed away. His friends brought him here for comfort food. They talked, laughed, and made him feel better.” Many customers share stories of meeting their spouses at the café, and later bringing their children.
When asked about the secrets of El Tepeyac’s longevity, Carlos credits loyalty and consistency. “This is not just a business, it’s a family, and there’s a legacy we have to continue. If we just gave up, it’d be a shame. You have to be persistent and keep going.”
El Tepeyac Café’s Camino of the Fighters has been long and hard-fought. “It’s about not stopping, by any means necessary,” Carlos says. “Obstacles will come, but you have to keep going. You can’t lie down and stop fighting.”
Eighty years since their fight began, the family has built a restaurant with their hands and hearts—a place that represents their community and their family. Modelo is proud to uplift these businesses, bringing attention to an integral part of their communities, because, in the end, El Tepeyac Café is more than a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary.
