Inspiring Conversations with Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Arellano

Rob, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got into Hospitality through my musical aspirations. As a musician, I began producing my own shows and got into event production and coordination. From there I started working with hospitality groups and really developed my love and passion for the restaurant. I worked my way up through a nightlife hospitality group that had several restaurants and really enjoyed the experience. It was then, i decided to open a restaurant of my own.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own business is never completely smooth, and the restaurant industry, in particular, comes with its own unique set of challenges. I opened my first location just one year before COVID-19 hit, which was an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality industry as a whole. We had to quickly pivot—adapting to takeout and delivery, navigating restrictions, and finding ways to keep our team employed while ensuring the safety of our staff and guests. It was a test of resilience, creativity, and community support.

Beyond the pandemic, economic trends and rising costs have also been ongoing challenges. The cost of ingredients, labor, and overall operational expenses have increased significantly, forcing us to be more strategic with our menu, pricing, and business operations. At the same time, customer expectations and dining habits have evolved, so we’ve had to stay ahead by continuously innovating and providing a high-quality experience that keeps guests coming back.

Despite these challenges, the struggles have made us stronger, more adaptable, and more committed to delivering something special. Every obstacle has been an opportunity to learn and refine how we operate, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tell us more about your business. What should we know?

Descanso is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. We specialize in modern Mexican cuisine, with a unique Plancha Dining concept that brings the energy and excitement of teppanyaki-style cooking to traditional Mexican flavors. Guests get to watch our chefs prepare their meals right in front of them, creating a fun, interactive, and memorable dining experience.

Beyond that, we take pride in using high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques to deliver bold, flavorful dishes that honor Mexico’s rich culinary traditions while offering a fresh, contemporary twist.

What do you specialize in / what are you known for?

Our Plancha Dining experience is what truly sets us apart. Unlike a traditional Mexican restaurant, where food is prepared in the kitchen and brought to the table, our guests are part of the process. The sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh ingredients sizzling on the plancha make for a dynamic and immersive meal.

We’re also known for our handcrafted cocktails, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere that makes every visit special—whether it’s a casual night out, a celebration, or a private event.

What sets you apart from others?

What makes Descanso unique is our commitment to innovation while staying true to authenticity. While we embrace tradition, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the dining experience—whether it’s through our tableside cooking, thoughtfully curated menu, or seasonal specials that bring something fresh to the table.

Our team plays a huge role in what makes us different as well. We’ve built a culture of hospitality where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and part of our Descanso family. From our chefs to our servers, everyone is passionate about delivering an unforgettable experience.

What are you most proud of, brand-wise?

I’m incredibly proud of how Descanso has grown and evolved while staying true to its roots. Starting with our first location and now expanding to Los Angeles, we’ve been able to bring something new and exciting to the restaurant scene. Seeing our guests return time and time again, celebrating milestones with us, and sharing their love for what we do is the most rewarding part.

I’m also proud of how we’ve navigated challenges—especially the ones we faced in our early years—and emerged stronger, more innovative, and more connected to our community than ever.

What do you want readers to know about your brand, offerings, and services?

At its core, Descanso is all about great food, great company, and a great experience. Whether you’re coming in for our interactive Plancha Dining, enjoying a relaxed meal on our summer patio, or sipping on one of our signature margaritas, we want every guest to leave feeling like they’ve been part of something special.

We offer private dining, catering, and special events as well, so if you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate, we can bring the Descanso experience to you.

Ultimately, we’re not just a restaurant—we’re a place where memories are made, where food brings people together, and where every meal is an experience. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Always seeking adventure, which tended to get me into trouble at times. but, i learned a lot on how to be resilient along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.descansorestaurant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/descansorestaurant
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/descansorestaurant/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DescansoRestaurant

Image Credits
Descanso