Community Highlights: Meet Mario Fuentes of Ricky’s Pizza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Fuentes.

Hi Mario, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This place has been in my family for 23 years. Both my parents came to the U.S as immigrants and like many other immigrants, they came looking for work.

Along with my brother as of January 1st of 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to purchase the business from my parents.

I’m a first-generation immigrant looking to better our community and in the process bringing quality food at a reasonable price to a working class community of immigrants.

Very recently, I had the ability to quit my previous 9-5 job in finance and completely dedicated myself to growing our business at the pizza shop. It’s a road with several challenges, but every step is worth it. As a 28 years old business owner, I often struggle with knowing the right people in the industry to achieve some of the things I want and dream of at the shop; but again just part of the growth I think.

Currently working with several groups of the community that do mutual aid to help our community.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Really most of it is kind of challenging but it’s also very fun and rewarding. I think having a business is like having a child:

You get to watch it grow and flourish if you treat it right and give it the attention it requires.

Covid-19 restrictions were an interesting terrain to maneuver through not an impossible one but one that took a little bit of thought and a lot of safety. Luckily at the time, I was yet to hire any employees.

To be completely honest as of now what has felt most difficult was working two jobs.

I had my regular full-time job at a company that I owe a lot to (Westlake Financial) and I am also an owner at Ricky’s Pizza both of which I felt required my full attention.

Juggling the work balance with my life and family balance took a particular toll on me, but it always felt worth it.

Luckily like I mentioned before, I’ve had the chance to leave my 9-5 and focus on building something for my family and for the future.

As you know, we’re big fans of Ricky’s Pizza. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
If there’s anything I would like anyone to know is that we hold true to what we do. Everything is honest it always feels like something made at home -homestyle-

We’re known for amazing quality at reasonable prices.

What I think sets us apart is our transparency; we’re not looking to be a gimmick or a mock of anything else. We want to feel authentic and we want to show it in our attitudes and in our food.

What I most feel proud of is the staple we are to our community.

We feed hardworking people good food at reasonable prices that feels like it was made at home with love and attention.

Our brand is one currently in the works. I hope to be able to expand to other areas of California maybe not only as a pizza spot but hopefully at some point as a restaurant that can provide people a safe space and a great dining experience.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve always said, “the universe conspires in my favor” maybe as a joke maybe somewhere in my mind, I believe this, but I do genuinely believe that everything happens for a reason.

I’ve had the luck of learning this craft growing up.

I’ve had the luck that the business is in a fruitful area filled with traffic and commerce.

What I’ve recently noticed is the harder I work, the luckier I get.

In life and in business; so I’ll just keep working hard and I’ll continue to be lucky in every aspect.

Contact Info:

• Email: rickyspizza1@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rickyspizza1?utm_medium=copy_link
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rickys-pizza-los-angeles-2?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits:
David G (Dagaman) David Rodriguez (d.rodphotos)