Exploring Life & Business with Natividad & Mateo Bermudez of Casa de Nati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natividad & Mateo Bermudez

Hi Natividad & Mateo, 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?
Growing up, food was always a central part of our lives. We both come from families deeply rooted in Mexican culture, where food was not just about nourishment but also about bringing people together. Natividad’s family hails from Jalisco in Western Mexico, known for its rich tradition in meats and sauces while Mateo’s family is from Veracruz in the South of Mexico, where seafood and tropical flavors dominate the culinary scene. These two distinct regions influenced our cooking styles and inspired us to create a menu that blends the flavors of both.
One of our fondest memories is spending time with our mothers in the kitchen, learning family recipes passed down through generations. The smells of fresh tortillas, simmering salsas, and roasting meats bring us back to our roots. That sense of warmth and family is what we aim to bring to every guest who walks through the doors of Casa de Nati. We want them to feel like they’re part of our extended family, sharing in the flavors and traditions we hold dear.

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?
The road to opening Casa de Nati has certainly not been easy. Like many new businesses, especially in the restaurant industry, we faced numerous challenges. When we first started, there was a lot of uncertainty. The pandemic had just started to ease, and we weren’t sure how the community would respond to a new restaurant. Financially, it was a huge risk to invest everything we had into opening at such a precarious time. But we knew we couldn’t wait any longer—this was our dream, and we were determined to make it happen.
In the early months, it was challenging to build a loyal customer base. We had to prove ourselves to the neighborhood and earn the trust of our community. We faced challenges related to staffing, supply chain issues, and adapting to constantly changing public health regulations. There were times when we questioned if we had made the right decision, but each day brought us closer to the community we wanted to serve. The support we’ve received from our customers has been incredible, and we’ve been fortunate to have a neighborhood that values what we do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Casa de Nati?
Casa de Nati is a reflection of our passion for sharing our culture. We want our guests to feel like they’re experiencing a “home away from home”. A place where they can relax, enjoy great company, and feel comfortable while savoring the best of Mexican-American cuisine. We aim to create the warmth of a family kitchen, where the food is always fresh, flavorful, and made with care.
Our menu is inspired by the rich flavors and traditions of Veracruz and Jalisco, and we take great pride in using recipes passed down through our families for generations. Additionally, we believe music plays an essential role in creating a memorable atmosphere. Our playlist, featuring classic rock en español hits, has become a signature part of the Casa de Nati experience. Many of our guests love the nostalgic vibe it brings, and it truly enhances the overall ambiance.
It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating a welcoming environment where guests feel at home while enjoying great music, great food, and great company.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis taught us resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Opening Casa de Nati during such uncertain times was challenging, but it also pushed us to be creative and flexible, adjusting our operations and menu to meet changing demands.
A key lesson we learned was the importance of staying connected to our community. The support from our loyal customers and fellow small businesses helped keep us going. Social media and Yelp also played a huge role, bringing more attention to our restaurant and creating opportunities for recognition, including from the city of San Fernando and Los Angeles. We’re grateful for the chance to pursue our dream and remain committed to making Casa de Nati a place where everyone feels welcomed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://casadenati.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadenati_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077550470614&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/FfyEPNDVnF

Image Credits
Lanni Xique