When you type “Mexican food in Gunnison, Colorado,” into Google, the first thing that will show up in the search results is El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant.
El Paraiso, located on South Main Street, is known for its iconic toucan and parrot-themed tables and booths, excellent food, and locally acclaimed margaritas. The restaurant has been a staple of the Gunnison community for 17 years, having opened in 2009.
The restaurant was opened by Cesar and Marivele Hernandez and their family. It was bought in 2023 by Filipe Mier, who now runs the business alongside his sister-in-law, Antonia Castillo.
Even though the restaurant went under new ownership, Castillo and Mier adopted the mindset of “don’t fix what isn’t broken” and have kept the same menu, staff, and decor that make El Paraiso iconic. The stability of the restaurant’s brand has created a sense of comfort and ownership among the staff. They know the dishes, the rhythm of the workplace, and the expectations placed on them. Castillo focused on what was working and improved the experience from there.
“Since I came in, the kitchen has stayed the same,” said Castillo, “The same people are cooking every day. I didn’t change anything, because it was already working and the people were happy.”
El Paraiso has won 14 People’s Choice awards over its 16 years in business, including Best Mexican Food, Best Restaurant, Best Happy Hour, and Best Server in 2022.
Their menu is expansive, with over 150 different authentic Mexican lunch, dinner, and dessert options, most of which come with a side of rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. The restaurant also offers just over 70 different drink options. The kitchen treats the food it makes with care, and the menu has something for everyone, of all ages and with all food preferences. No one leaves the building feeling hungry.
“My favorite dish, that I would recommend to anyone who comes to eat with us, is the El Paraiso combo,” said Castillo. “It’s grilled steak, chicken breast, and grilled shrimp wrapped in bacon. It’s very good and gives a good idea of what all of our food is like.”
Even though the menu remains unchanged from the previous ownership, customers have reported that the food quality has improved, which Castillo attributes to having a happy kitchen staff. She understands that when employees feel valued, they cook with more care and that feeling spills over into the rest of the workplace.
The “family” aspect of El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant is essential to the business for both customers and employees, many of whom have worked there for extended periods. By prioritizing a close-knit, family-like work environment and valuing employees’ time, El Paraiso has made happiness an essential part of its success. The atmosphere of the restaurant supports groups of all ages to enjoy, whether you’re going with your grandparents, college friends, or your children.
“Reliability is important,” she said. “It’s important to my customers and my staff.”
Consistency is a foundation in El Paraiso’s success. Open six days a week, excluding Monday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant has become a reliable option for locals and tourists alike who know their favorite spot will be there when they need it. Castillo sees reliability as a core aspect of their service and a promise to the community: being open on time, every time, and ready to welcome any customer who walks through the door. By keeping steady hours and maintaining the same welcoming atmosphere day after day, El Paraiso has become a dependable staple in the Gunnison Valley.
At the same time, El Paraiso’s consistency is influenced by their community orientation. In the past three years, Castillo has watched unfamiliar faces turn into regulars. She and her staff are deeply grateful for their customers' loyalty and quick to thank them for supporting the restaurant.
“When I first got here, people didn’t know me,” said Castillo. “Now it’s the same customers from three years ago, and everybody says, ‘Hi, Antonia, how are you?’ with a big smile. That means a lot to me and makes the job that much more special.”
A perfect blend of predictable hours, a trusted menu, and heartfelt relationships has helped El Paraiso become a well-loved spot that reflects and reinforces the community surrounding it.
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