American dream with no money

Wednesday, 21 September 2011 18:20

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When Monserrat Robles came to Tucson with her family 15 years ago, she had only 100 pesos in her pocket. She didn't know what to do, but she had to do something for her family. Her daughter was only 6.

"I was not sure about anything, but my family came here with the vision for a better life," she said in Spanish.

Robles kept thinking about what she wanted to do and finally decided that she wanted to open a restaurant.

"My mother used to own a Mexican restaurant in my hometown, Ciudad Obregón, when I was little," she said. "I learned how food can be beautiful and wonderful in my mother's restaurant. It was my dream to open my own restaurant, but I was not sure if it was possible in the United States."

Her husband finally found an opportunity to rent a place for a new business. She didn't know how to run the restaurant, she just believed in herself and opened the restaurant, Sonora Snow Cones. Two years had passed since she came to the United States, and her daughter was 8 at the time.

"I was just trying to be successful," Robles said and smiled. "And I am really glad that I opened the restaurant. I really love talking and interacting with customers."

Tacos de cabeza is her favorite from the restaurant.

"I want many people to enjoy foods that represent both American and Mexican cultures. I am really happy to have this job," she said. "We also offer many sweets, and they make everyone happy."

There were six children enjoying milkshakes in the restaurant.

"Whenever I see children smiling, it makes me smile, too," Robles said. "I want to see more and more smiles through the Mexican-American foods that we make."

The restaurant kept growing. When she had originally started the business, it was in a tiny place.

"We just moved to a new place. The restaurant is bigger now," she said. "I hope many people would come here and enjoy our food."

The restaurant also changed its name. Now, it's called Sonoran Delights.

The interview with the owner in Spanish by Yujiro Sano

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If you are interested in this restaurant, call 520-792-9370.

Written by Sano Yujiro

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