20 YEARS, 7 RESTAURANTS, 1 FAMILIA Photographed by Silas Fallstich Written by Meghan Kelly
What does it take to successfully run a restaurant for two decades and counting in a restaurant scene as fluctuating as Santa Barbara’s? For Maria Arroyo, business partner to Tony Arroyo and co-owner of Los Arroyos, the secret to longevity in the restaurant industry is happy employees, happy customers, and consistently phenomenal food. Los Arroyos celebrates 20 years of business this year. Its story began when a boy with a dream, Tony Arroyo, immigrated from Mexico to Santa Barbara in 1983, and it continues to unfold to date. Upon entering the newest Los Arroyos location in Solvang, I am welcomed by Diego, Maria and Tony’s 15-year-old son. Meanwhile, Maria floats around the bustling restaurant, greeting guests and ensuring that every single person is taken care of. The familial nature of Los Arroyos is instantly palpable. I’m invited in by the bright splashes of color that fill the space. By implementing decorations brought straight from Mexico, like beautiful wood and iron pieces for lighting, and a vibrant landscape mural by local artist Pedro de la Cruz, Los Arroyos creates a colorful symphony that provides a lively and fun ambiance. It unites the modern and trendy with the rustic and authentic, and this dichotomy is reflected in the food they serve.
28 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
