Mario Valenzuela, born in 1936 in Torreon, Coahuila Mexico, learned the ins and outs of the restaurant business while working at his aunt's restaurant during his teenage years. This experience would later inspire him to establish his own restaurant in Orange County, California, which has been serving the community for over 50 years.

In pursuit of the American Dream, Mario and his wife Consuelo left Mexico and settled in Santa Ana. They worked tirelessly in various establishments, including factories, coffee shops, restaurants, and even a bowling alley. In the 1960s, Mario became the head cook at La Paz Restaurant in Fullerton, and later the chef at Senor Rubens Restaurant in Fountain Valley.

In 1969, Mario and Consuelo invested everything they had into purchasing a modest hamburger stand in Huntington Beach, which became the foundation of their first restaurant, "Mario's Mexican Food and Cantina." With Consuelo's support, the restaurant not only gained a reputation but thrived. Their children, Johnny, Maria, and Diana, also joined the family business. In 1973, the family expanded with a second location at 5 Points Plaza, which became their most successful restaurant.