Ernesto Delgado, owner of numerous beloved Mexican restaurants in Sacramento, including Mayahuel and La Cosecha in Cesar Chavez Plaza, has a story that spans thousands of miles from his birthplace in Mexico.
Born in 1970 in Zamora to a Mexican mother and father, Delgado grew up in the small town of Atacheo, Michoacán. His parents had big dreams for themselves and their family, so they brought him to the United States at just five years old in 1976.
Delgado’s early life was marked by hard work alongside his father, who became a farmworker after leaving Mexico. Delgado would often help his father pick fruit on weekends. After graduating high school in 1990, he moved to Sacramento three years later and attended Sacramento State University to study graphic design.
But it wasn’t until the late 2000s that Delgado’s culinary journey began. He opened El Patron Bar and Grill with a partner in 2001, but eventually decided to part ways six years later. In 2011, he opened his first restaurant of his own, Mayahuel, which was inspired by his daughter Maya’s name.
Delgado’s love for Mexican culture and hospitality shines through in every aspect of his restaurants. He wants customers to feel at home, just like they would when visiting family in Mexico.
“I love to say that in my home it was all about hospitality,” Delgado said. “My mother, as soon as you walk through the door, she was offering you something to drink, something to eat… It was just, she loved to make people happy.”
After Mayahuel’s success, Delgado opened Mesa Mercado in Carmichael as a tribute to his mother and later La Cosecha in Cesar Chavez Plaza. He even took over Sal’s Tacos during the pandemic.
Delgado’s vision for Sacramento’s Cesar Chavez Plaza is to transform it into a vibrant cultural destination that showcases Latino culture. He wants to bring together beautiful restaurants, exhibitions, a museum, a hotel, and more to create a hub of hospitality and community.
To make this vision a reality, Delgado has already started hosting Mercado Urbanos Market and concerts in the plaza. He also plans to open Octopus Mexico in West Sacramento and Mezcaleria taco bar in Oak Park as part of his growing business empire.
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Delgado reflects on the challenges he and his parents faced when immigrating to the United States. Despite being made fun of and having his name changed from Ernesto to Ernie, Delgado has built a life in Sacramento and is now inspiring others to believe in themselves and pursue their passions.
“I hope my mother knows that she created all this through me,” Delgado said with a big smile. “Definitely proud, and salud to her.”
Source: ABC 10
