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Celebrating the 30th Cinco de Mayo at Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant in Rutherfordton on May 5 was just one of numerous special events this month to commemorate the beginning of the successful restaurant.
Owners Rodrigo Chavez and Cindy Cope are celebrating three decades of opening their first restaurant in Rutherfordton and with locations in Forest City and Shelby.
The owners and staff are celebrating with a full month of festivities honoring the traditions, relationships, and community support that have shaped the restaurant since its founding.
Built around the theme "30 Years of Family, Flavor & Fiestas," the milestone celebration recognizes not only the restaurant's growth, but the generations of guests who have made Mi Pueblito part of their lives.
"What started as a dream became something much bigger because of the people who supported us," said Chavez. "We are grateful for every customer, every employee, and every family who helped us reach this point."
From One Restaurant to a Regional Favorite
In the early days, demand quickly outpaced expectations.
"When we first opened, people were driving from Spartanburg and Shelby because there were so few places to enjoy Mexican food nearby," Rodrigo recalled. "The kitchen was small, it was hot, and the lines were long--but the community showed up for us from day one."
For many families, Mi Pueblito became more than a restaurant. It became the place for birthdays, post-game meals, anniversaries, first dates, and traditions.
"For 30 years, Mi Pueblito has been a place where families gather, friendships grow, and stories are shared," said Cope. "Now we're watching the children who grew up here bring their own children in. That means everything to us."
To thank the community, Mi Pueblito is rolling out special events, live entertainment, and giveaways throughout May including a 30th Anniversary Throwback Menu.
Tuesdays in May
Guests dining on Tuesdays will receive complimentary traditional desserts made fresh by local artisans and taco specials under $2d.
Live Mariachi Returns
For the first time in years, live mariachi music returns to Mi Pueblito May 15 from 5pm to 8pm.
Guests can enjoy limited-edition anniversary t-shirts, food and drink specials, family-friendly activities, giveaways and prizes.
Honoring the Past. Investing in the Future-Mi Pueblito Memory Board
Community members are invited to share favorite memories-from family dinners to milestone celebrations-through Mi Pueblito's online memory board.
Those who participate by May 28 will be entered to win a set of branded cornhole boards.
Memorial Scholarship in Honor of Judy Cope
Mi Pueblito will again award scholarships to graduating seniors in Rutherford and Cleveland counties through its Memorial Scholarship Program, established in honor of Judy Cope.
The scholarship supports students pursuing careers connected to service, culture, and community. Last year, $5,000 was awarded to local seniors. This year's recipients will be recognized on May 19 at 4pm at the Shelby location.
30-Year Dedication Ceremony
On May 19 at 10am, Mi Pueblito will host a special 30-year dedication ceremony at its Rutherfordton location.
The public is invited to attend as the restaurant reflects on its journey, honors the people who helped build it, and celebrates the future ahead.
Still Growing After 30 Years
"For us, this anniversary is about more than time," Cindy Cope said. "It's about the relationships we've built and the role we've been fortunate to play in so many lives."
As Mi Pueblito celebrates three decades in business, one thing remains unchanged: a commitment to great food, genuine hospitality, and gratitude for the communities that made it all possible.
For more information, visit MiPubs.com.
