Exploring Life & Business with Mariam & Angela EL Haj of Calaca Mamas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariam & Angela EL Haj.

Hi Mariam & Angela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
We’re Angela and Mariam, sisters, business partners, and the co-founders of Calaca Mamas. Our story really begins in Orange County, where we were born and raised — moving between Irvine, Santa Ana/Tustin area, and eventually settling with our own families in Orange. No matter where we lived, the heart of our childhood was always the restaurant industry.

Our parents owned and operated several concepts throughout the years, including multiple IHOP locations and Anaheim Pizza and Spaghetti Co. From the time we were old enough to hold menus, we were bussing tables, working the line, and watching firsthand how food can bring people together. Those early years planted a deep love for hospitality in both of us, even though we didn’t realize at the time that we’d eventually follow in our parents’ footsteps.

Before stepping fully into the restaurant world, we actually took different paths. Angela studied business and psychology, and Mariam pursued pre-med. We always worked in and loved the restaurants, even though we didn’t see ourselves there long term, but everything changed when our dad passed away in 2009. Losing him brought us closer than ever and back to the reality of running the family business. Alongside our mom, we expanded the IHOP footprint he had built and later acquired Anaheim’s former Captain Kidd’s, which today is Calaca Mamas. The three of us operated both concepts together until our mom’s passing in 2019.

Her passing was another devastating loss, but it also marked the moment we stepped into full ownership. Suddenly, it was on us to carry the torch, to protect what our parents built, and to honor them through the next generation of restaurants. Together, we’ve been doing that ever since, as proud first-generation Americans and second-generation restaurateurs.

In 2022, we created our first original concept together: Calaca Mamas. It’s truly an homage to our parents and the beautiful Mexican culture, which celebrates the lives of the departed instead of constantly mourning the loss. The name itself reflects who we are: “Calaca,” meaning “sugar skull,” a symbol of Día de los Muertos, and “Mamas,” representing our journey as mothers, and the history of the space we took over. By then, we both had young families of our own, and we wanted this chapter of our lives to influence the business too.

Inside the restaurant, you’ll find vibrant marigolds, Mexican artifacts gathered during our travels, and an ofrenda where we honor, not only our parents, loved ones, and friends, but also the loved ones of our team members who have passed. Calaca Mamas is our way of celebrating and honoring Mexican culture, which showed us light and love, and gave us strength during our hardest seasons, and sharing that beauty with the community.

Our mission has always been to serve high-quality, authentic Mexican food from its many areas, without compromising quality. We source sustainably, prioritize non-GMO, grass-fed, and organic ingredients whenever possible, and take pride in offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a robust cocktail and mocktail program featuring more than 20 signature drinks.

Despite Southern California’s large Latin population, we noticed a surprising lack of authentic Mexican restaurants in the tourist area of Anaheim. We wanted to change that by creating a space that honors tradition, celebrates culture, and welcomes people from every background. Today, Calaca Mamas is not only fulfilling that vision but also standing out as a female-led restaurant, something still quite rare in California’s competitive dining industry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t necessarily been a smooth ride, or without its challenges, but challenges have never deterred us from forging ahead. One challenge we continually face is preserving authentic flavors while trying to please everyone. There are so many beautifully distinct areas in Mexico, and the country’s cuisine is just as robust. Our menu is inspired by many areas across the country, and we do our best to highlight those flavors through fusion and through approachable formats while staying true to their cultural significance.

Another challenge has been staffing. The Orange County restaurant landscape has changed so much since the pandemic that, oftentimes, finding people who share our vision and passion can be challenging.

Lastly, something we try to combat every day is how to bring more people through our doors. As the only non-franchised option on the tourist strip of Harbor Blvd across from Disneyland, it can be a challenge to entice tourists unfamiliar with the concept to give us a shot.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Calaca Mamas, we specialize in elevated, authentic Mexican cuisine crafted with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and served in a vibrant, family-friendly space inspired by the traditions of Día de los Muertos. Located just steps from the Disneyland Resort, we honor our Disney neighbor by offering playful dishes that include the Under the Sea Duo (ceviche and agua chile), and our show-stopping Churro Cart, complete with chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces and sparklers that nod to the nightly fireworks at the park.

What sets us apart is the heart behind the brand: we’re sisters, mothers, and second-generation restaurateurs carrying forward our family’s legacy, while trying to honor and pay homage to the Mexican culture, a culture that is not ours. We serve our great-grandmother’s traditional Spanish flan, still using our family recipe to do so. From the food to the experience we aim to create, plus unbeatable views of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks, we want guests to feel immersed in a celebration of flavor, family, and joy every time they visit.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We found that finding a mentor can be incredibly hard. Because we lost our parents at a younger age, our built-in mentors were gone and which prevented us from being able to learn more from our dad, who was an amazing businessman. Unfortunately, we’re not great at networking, and in the coming year is one of our biggest goals; to actually network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calacamamas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calacamamascantina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calacamamascantina