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The Beginning

Marcia & Gabriel Buena

In the summer of 1975, when Marcia and Gabriel Buena traveled from their home in Ft. Morgan, Colorado to Newark, Ohio to visit their daughter and her husband, the first thing they noticed was that there were no Mexican restaurants in the area.

Although the couple had eight years of experience, successfully owning and operating a Mexican restaurant in Colorado, the potential they saw in central Ohio was too good to pass up. Upon returning home, the Buena’s sold their restaurant, packed up their old family recipes and moved their family to Ohio.

In August of 1975, the first La Paloma was opened in a small building on Mt. Vernon Road in Newark, Ohio. Spanish for “The Dove”, the title of their new business was a reflection of their faith and of their strong Christian heritage. La Paloma would be more than just a restaurant; it would be a part of the Buena legacy.

The original La Paloma’s success would quickly outgrow its modest 29 seat facility. This prompted the Buena’s oldest son, Gabe Jr., to start a second restaurant. La Paloma II was started less than a year after the first, held 150 more occupants, and would start a chain of successful, family-owned restaurants in the area.

Ron and Teresa Buena

Today

La Paloma’s rich history of great food and friendly customer service continues, today. The Mount Vernon La Paloma was opened in April of 1988, by Ron & Teresa Buena, and has been owned and operated by them ever since. Ron, the youngest of Marcia and Gabriel’s children, is a joint-heir to the famous recipes, the “La Paloma” brand and the Buena name.

Continuing in the family business, Ron & Teresa’s youngest son, Travis, is acting manager of the Mount Vernon La Paloma. He and his wife, Abby, will be involved in day-to-day operations and look to carry La Paloma into the future.

Travis and Abby Buena

When a customer walks into La Paloma, they can expect great service in a family-friendly environment. When they are served by a Buena, they are taking part in a legacy of fantastic, original and authentic Mexican food.

	The Buena Family Front Row: Rick, Ruby, Gabriel, Marcia, Betty - Back Row: Ron, Gabe Jr., Ted