La Olla Mexican Cafe: Origin Story

Join local business owner and foodie Marielle Ceniceros as she discovers the secret to 17 years of success at La Olla Mexican Cafe, where Sonoran flavors and family dedication keep customers coming back for more.

Taste of Marana STANDOUT Winner!

CreditLa Olla Mexican Cafe

La Olla Mexican Cafe, located in Southern Marana, has been serving the community for 17 years. Owners Ken and Diane Gallardo are responsible for conceptualizing this thriving business. Their commitment to serving delicious meals is evident with their continued presence in the restaurant. Ken and Diane have been heavily involved in owning and operating the business from the very beginning. They were there to greet me on my first visit to their restaurant.

The restaurant specializes in Mexican food with Sonoran flavors. Their busiest times are weekends and daily from 3pm to 6pm when they have happy hour. They often have wait times on Fridays and Saturdays. You won’t find this restaurant on any online ordering platforms. “We’re old school,” explains Ken.

CreditLa Olla Mexican Cafe

Presentation and food quality are of utmost importance. According to the owners, the best way to experience La Olla is to join them at the table in person.

For our meal, I let the professionals curate a dinner of their choice. Ken selected the Diablos Chicos, an appetizer featuring yellow peppers stuffed with shrimp, green onions, and cheese, wrapped in bacon, grilled to perfection, and served atop salsa crema, garnished with corn salsa and Anaheim crema. This dish is a perfect combination of savory, spicy, and creamy, making it an ideal introduction to the restaurant. The Diablos Chicos will make you feel like you're in the right place.

Diane crafted the Combination Plate No. 1 for us, which includes carne seca, a cheese chile relleno, and a garlic shrimp taco, served with rice and beans. After the first bite, it was clear why this dish was selected. The plate offers a delightful variety of flavors: the richness of the cheese, the distinct taste of the carne seca, the Sonoran-style green chile, and the flavorful shrimp taco. It’s the perfect option for those who can't decide, giving you the chance to indulge in everything.

CreditLa Olla Mexican Cafe

After so many years in business, Diane continues to express her creativity through specials. “Diane’s Specials” are cooked in small batches, and as she says, "When they’re gone, they’re gone." Regulars eagerly anticipate her new creations.

It’s clear that Ken and Diane are fully invested in La Olla’s daily operations. The menu and atmosphere they’ve created have helped the restaurant not only survive the pandemic but also thrive over the years. “We’ll do this until we can’t anymore,” Ken says. As for whether their children will take over one day? “Only if they want to,” the couple agrees, emphasizing that passion and drive are key to La Olla’s success.

In 2024, La Olla Mexican Cafe won the Taste of Marana Standout Award, solidifying the admiration and praise of their loyal customers. The beautiful trophy is proudly displayed at the front of the restaurant for all to see.

PicturedKen and Diane Gallardo with their Taste of Marana STANDOUT award trophy
Marielle Visits La Olla Mexican Cafe

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Marielle Ceniceros

Author

Marielle Ceniceros

Marielle Ceniceros has been creating content and blogging since 2014. She enjoys travel, food, and supporting local businesses, which she passionately writes about for her blog and business Foodie Bee Media. Her love for exploring new places has taken her on various adventures, where she immerses herself in different cultures and cuisines. Through her vivid storytelling and captivating photography, Marielle shares her adventures with her readers, offering travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and insights into the local experiences she treasures. 
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