At 82 years old, Mary Vasquez, co-founder of the popular Miguel’s Jr. restaurant chain, has achieved a lifelong dream of earning her high school equivalency diploma. This personal milestone coincides with another significant event: the 50th anniversary of Miguel’s Jr., which she and her late husband, Mike R. Vasquez, opened in 1975. Despite having only six years of formal education in Mexico, Mary’s determination led her to enroll in adult school later in life, a pursuit she had to put on hold while building their business and raising a family. She successfully passed her GED exam, fulfilling a long-held ambition and inspiring others with her perseverance.
From its humble beginnings as a drive-thru in Corona, Miguel’s Jr. has grown into a successful chain of 23 locations, known for its homemade hot sauce and fresh ingredients, with many recipes originating from Mary herself. The family also operates a full-service restaurant, Miguel’s California Mexican Cocina. Under the leadership of their son, Javier Vasquez, the company continues to evolve, adding new items like fresh-cut french fries and upcoming chicken bites to the menu while maintaining its commitment to quality. The dual celebrations of Mary’s graduation and the chain’s half-century mark highlight a remarkable story of family, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.
