Email  Print

Plaza Tequila Cocina Mexicana Bar & Grill launched by Juan Sahagún

Family restaurateur opens his second business in Sonoma Valley

Juan Sahagún opened Wednesday his second Sonoma Valley restaurant, Plaza Tequila – Cocina Mexicana Bar & Grill at 19315 Sonoma Highway, the former location of Amigos restaurant.

Sahagun said he is following in his family’s footsteps, which started in the restaurant business in 1975 in Marin County with his dad working as a busboy; later a cook, and in 1985 as the owner of his first restaurant. The extended family continues to thrive in the field and have expanded beyond the North Bay. All together the Sahagún family owns 19 restaurants, of which Juan Sahagun operates four, including Taqueria Hacienda in Boyes Hot Springs, Plaza Tequila now in Sonoma, one in Belmont, Calif., and one in Plainview, Mass.

The newest Sonoma restaurant opened with a menu that offers different choices of authentic and flavorful Mexican dishes inspired by the cuisine of the Puerto Vallarta region – including Chilaquiles (lightly fried tortilla triangles and eggs with chile sauce and cheese), Tacos al Carbon and a grilled Mexican Trio (prawns, beef and chicken).

The interiors of the dining room and full bar have been designed to give patrons the feel and look of Mexico. “I always dreamed of opening a restaurant where I could offer our guests a true Mexican dining experience. We want everybody to feel like they’re on vacation in Mexico having a great meal and service,” said Sahagún.

He credits his father as his teacher and inspiration for getting into the food business. He started working at the early age of 14 in one of his dad’s restaurants, and opened his first taqueria at 18. Running a business is one thing, running a successful business is another and it appears that Sahagún knows his chosen trade very well. He is a young and very hardworking businessman, with an “anything is possible” attitude.

In following the family tradition, Sahagún hopes to make Plaza Tequila’s guests' meal experience unique. “I’m committed to continuing doing business in Sonoma Valley, the place I call home, for a long time to come by providing great tasting food accompanied by superb service,” he said.

He estimates that the new restaurant will provide employment to 14 workers and will allow him to continue to give back to the community that has supported him throughout the last 11 years.
Plaza Tequila Bar & Grill is located at 19315 Sonoma Highway, and is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information call 933-9496.