A Wonderful Meal at 7308 Foothill – Part Two

José wound the apron strings about his young son. Round and round they went, encircling his tiny waist. The bottom, normally at a man’s thigh, draped down over his shoes. With a loving pat, out he went into the dining room. The diners often slipped him a bill or two, just for being so darned cute, as he bussed tables. This was the restaurant of José and Myrna Grijalva. They had named it after their son, 3-year-old José Jr., affectionately referred to as little Jose or “Joselito.”

They had worked hard since 1977 when they founded Joselito’s on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. Joselito had spent the following years observing, learning and participating in the restaurant’s success. Four years later, now 7, he joined his parents on a trip to Montrose. They were ready to expand. Visiting a seafood restaurant that was up for sale, Joselito was captivated by a massive chandelier that hung from the ceiling. José Sr. and Myrna decided they would establish their second location there at 2345 Honolulu Ave.

A major renovation ensued. Joselito played about with his younger brother Corey as workers engaged in the remodel. After a tremendous effort, José Sr. and Myrna opened this second location in 1981. A short time later, the lease at the Burbank location became problematic so all of their focus went to Montrose. Soon, another Joselito’s was opened in Lancaster. All the while, José Jr. expanded his knowledge of the restaurant business.

Fast forward to 1994. Joselito is shaken from a sound sleep.

“Wake up, my boy, wake up! I have news,” Myrna excitedly exclaimed. After rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he learned of a small eatery, a short distance from the restaurant, that was up for lease. The space was barely a restaurant but at 20 years old he only saw the possibilities. Excited, and scared, he signed the lease becoming Joselito the businessman. He opened a New York deli and things were tough at first. Having his parents just a block away was a big help but still – one year in he sat in his office struggling to figure how he was going to pay the mounting bills. Luckily, better fortune was ahead; in the years to come the number of customers grew and grew and the businessman earned the adjective “successful.” The deli thrived into its fifth year earning the title of “Best Burger in Glendale” on multiple occasions.

In 2000, José and his parents learned of a Mexican restaurant for lease in Tujunga. This was a big step so the family decided to partner to open Joselito’s West at 7308 Foothill Blvd. By this time, the reins of Joselito’s in Montrose had been handed over to Corey and the two brothers managed their respective locations, east and west. José, alongside his best friend Tumara, thrived in both their business and personal lives, making the most of the opportunities and challenges that came with running a successful family business.

In 2010, Joselito and his wife Tumara purchased the restaurant outright. While the marriage didn’t last their successful business partnership continues till today. This coming April Joselito’s West will celebrate its 25-year anniversary. Festive plans are underway for this special occasion. José is happily remarried now to Erin but it is important for him to express that his business partner/ex-wife Tumara, along with her knowledge, creativity and work ethic are what made the past 25 years possible and that he couldn’t have done it without her.

José has graciously agreed to sponsor a restaurant day to benefit the Verdugo Hills Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Please come have a wonderful meal at Joselito’s West on that day and kindly mention to your server that you are there to support VHC.