Meet Jose R. Grijalva | Restaurateur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose R. Grijalva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose R., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For me, starting a business wasn’t just about chasing opportunity — it was a continuation of my story. I grew up in the restaurant world. My parents opened the original Joselito’s in 1977 when I was just a kid, and I spent my childhood immersed in hospitality. So when I finally opened Joselito’s Tujunga, it felt like something I had been training for my whole life — but it wasn’t my first step.

Years earlier, I had left my job as a dispatcher for DHL to open Lito’s Town Deli in Montrose, just a block from Joselito’s Montrose. I had just moved back home after the Northridge quake. My mom woke me up one weekend and said, “There’s a spot opening up — the landlord’s willing to meet now. Want to go see it?” I didn’t hesitate. The place was a mess — dirty, narrow, rat-bitten boxes in storage — but I saw potential. I wanted to create a NY-style deli like the ones we grew up eating at. It started as a humble spot with no exhaust hood, just cold food, hot dogs, and espresso, but I built it up from there.

At first, I thought the biggest challenge would be keeping up with the crowds. That wasn’t the case. The crowds didn’t come rushing in. I had to earn every customer. It was tough — I cried more than once in the back, wondering how I’d keep the lights on. But I stuck with it. I learned as I went. After five years, Lito’s was thriving, we had built a following, and I was ready for the next chapter.

That’s when my parents told me about a shuttered Mexican restaurant in Tujunga. We went to see it, and I loved the space — even though it needed a lot of work. I agreed to take it on, but only if I was put in charge. We’d run it under the same company, but I wanted creative and operational control. They agreed.

My vision for Joselito’s Tujunga was to create something bigger than just a restaurant. I wanted it to carry the family legacy forward, but also stand on its own — a space that brought people together, celebrated the flavors of Southern California, and became a true community hub. That’s still the goal every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the co-owner of Joselito’s Tujunga, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that’s been serving the foothills of Los Angeles for 25 years. We’re known for our bold, flavorful dishes kissed by Southern California, as well as our award-winning margaritas and craft cocktails — but what really sets us apart is the feeling you get when you walk through the door.

Joselito’s was originally founded by my parents in 1977, and I grew up in the restaurant. Before opening this location in 2000, I had already run my own NY-style deli just down the road. When the opportunity came to open a new Joselito’s in Tujunga, I jumped in and never looked back.

What makes our place special isn’t just the food — it’s the feeling. People come here to celebrate birthdays, first dates, anniversaries, and Tuesday nights. It’s a community spot with a soul.

Running a restaurant this long hasn’t been easy. We’ve weathered recessions, a pandemic, staffing challenges — all of it. But we’ve stayed strong because we focus on people first. I believe in hiring people who care and treating them like family. Some of our staff have been with us for over 25 years, and that loyalty and consistency shows in everything we do.

What I’m most proud of is creating a place that means something to the community — not just a place to eat, but a place to feel at home. When guests tell me, “I used to come here with my parents, and now I bring my kids,” that’s everything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I just turned 50 and I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, so I’ve spent my whole life here. Honestly, I probably take a lot of these places for granted — but when someone’s visiting for the first time, I remember just how cool L.A. really is.

Besides bringing them to Joselito’s for margaritas and food (because obviously), I’d want to show them a little bit of everything I love about living here.

We’d start with tacos at King Taco — that’s a must. Then probably hit Philippe’s for a roast beef sandwich and a slice of pecan pie, and maybe wander through Chinatown for some dim sum. If there is any room in our stomachs, we’d go for drinks at Tam O’Shanter — they’ve got a great Scotch selection and old-school vibes.

Brent’s Deli in Northridge is my favorite deli, and Chi Chi’s in Santa Clarita is my go-to Italian spot. Both feel like places that still care about the food and the people.

My wife and I love to take the dogs — Spencer, Bentley, and Churro — to Ventura Beach. It’s not technically L.A., but it’s one of the few places left where you can walk your dogs on the sand. Gidget, my cat, doesn’t travel, but she’d probably be judging us from home. Frankie, my stepdaughter’s cat, would just be causing problems as usual.

I’d probably drag them up to Angeles Crest for a scenic drive or some hiking near Sunland-Tujunga — we’re called the “Gateway to the Angeles National Forest” for a reason. If they’re into golf, I’d try to squeeze in a round at Hansen Dam or Angeles National.

One of the cooler spots that not everyone talks about is the Hollywood Forever cemetery — it’s actually really peaceful, full of history, and they have special events like movie nights. If we really want to impress out of towners, and received an invitation, a night at the Magic Castle is unforgettable. I actually spent my 50th birthday there — it doesn’t get much more L.A. than that.

If we just want to chill and maybe get some coffee, I like walk around The Montrose Shopping Park or Old Town Pasadena. If
Honestly, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A good meal, a good drink, a nice view, and time with people (and animals) you care about — that’s pretty much the perfect week for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without a lot of support along the way. I’ve been lucky to have family, friends, and an incredible team who’ve had my back, encouraged me, and helped me grow. First and foremost, my parents — Jose and Myrna — who opened the original Joselito’s in 1977 and gave me the foundation to build from. They not only taught me how to run a restaurant, but how to care — to care about the people who walk through the door and the team beside me making it all happen. That’s a lesson I’ve carried with me every day, and I’m proud to have staff members who’ve been with me for over 25 years.

I also want to shout out Tumara Arnett, my business partner. She’s been there since the beginning of Joselito’s Tujunga and has poured her creativity, heart, and hustle into making it what it is today.

My wife Erin deserves a special shoutout too — her love, strength, and support keep me grounded and going every single day.

To my team — past and present — thank you. A restaurant isn’t built by one person. It takes people who care, who show up, and who make our guests feel like they’re part of something special.

And finally, to the community of Tujunga and the foothills of Los Angeles — thank you for embracing us. Your loyalty, your love, and the memories you’ve made with us over the years are the heart of what we do.

Website: https://www.Joselitos.com

Instagram: @JoselitosTujunga

Facebook: @JoselitosTujunga

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joselitos-mexican-food-tujunga?osq=Joselito%E2%80%99s+Mexican+Food

Image Credits
Tumara Arnett