Old Juan’s Story
Our founder, John "Old Juan" Verdin, opened his doors to serve Central Coast families more than 40 years ago, when he purchased Carl’s Spanish Seas restaurant. In 1995 a restaurant expansion transformed it into Old Juan's Cantina. John incorporated many of the dishes, sauces, and traditions brought from Guanajuato, Mexico, by his mother, Josefina. Even today many of our newer dishes, such as the Albondigas Soup, are inspired by Josefina and her hometown.
Now John's legacy and the Old Juan's tradition is continued through his son and daughter, Adam and Eva, and many of the staff—some of whom have been part of the Old Juan's family for more than 20 years.