Poquito Mas, which first opened its doors at 3701 Cahuenga Blvd in Studio City on October 4, 1984, and has grown to seven L.A. locations, is celebrating 40 fabulous years during the month of October with giveaways, feeding unhoused families and thanking staff and guests.
Throughout the month of October, Poquito Mas will give away several 40 Burrito Party Mas™ packs at random. Winners will receive 40 burritos of their choice, coupled with chips and salsa, to create their own at-home fiesta – perfect for tailgate parties, birthday celebrations, Monday night football gatherings and more. For details, visit www.poquitomas.com or follow on Instagram @poquitomas
In addition, the Poquito Mas is paying it forward by providing families through Home Again L.A. with 40 meals a month through October 2025. The non-profit organization has served Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley since 2010 by providing unhoused families with children shelter, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, outreach and meals.
“We are so excited to be celebrating 40 fabulous years in L.A.,” said Kevin McCarney, founder of Poquito Mas. “Without a dedicated staff, many of whom have been with us since the start, as well as our loyal guests, this milestone wouldn’t be possible. It was important for us to partner with Home Again L.A., too, because we know so many families with children are struggling in our community. My mom was a full-time nurse and had a tough time feeding seven kids—five of the boys. We ate a lot! Knowing the struggles of today’s families, we like the work Home Again L.A. is doing and the difference they’re making.”
One meal can change a life. At least it did for McCarney. He, along with company President Patty Reveles, and Edgar and Jackie Escalante, who oversee the Sherman Oaks, Encino and Woodland Hills locations all located on Venture Boulevard, have collectively nurtured the family of restaurants for four decades. While Patty and the Escalantes grew up eating and preparing Mexican food, Kevin only first discovered his love of the cuisine in high school while working at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Afterwards, he gave a co-worker a ride home to Echo Park. Before dropping her off at nearly 2am, she treated him to what recalls as his “first taste of flavor” at a local taco stand. I wasn’t until that moment that the native Angeleno tasted real Mexican food setting him on a culinary journey and passion for Mexican food an culture. After a decade of working for other restaurateurs, McCarney invested every penny he had to open the very first Poquito Mas.
“Our menu hasn’t changed much over the years,” said Reveles. “Our goal has always been to offer authentic, Baja-style tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas preparing everything fresh and made in house. Since the day we opened the very first Poquito Mas, we’ve never had a freezer.”
Poquito Mas features an array of popular Mexican favorites using fresh ingredients and organic corn tortillas made on the restaurant’s own patented tortilla press using the restaurant’s signature organic corn masa. Flour tortillas are also made in-house daily. An array of salsas, from mild to spicy, are prepared fresh and throughout the day.
Signature items include the Shrimp Burrito San Lucas™ made with pan-seared wild caught Pacific shrimp, ahi tuna taco with line-caught ahi and the Classic Steak Burrito made with all-natural USDA Angus beef. Other items include petite-size burritos, tostadas and vegetarian options as well as house-made guacamole. Despite inflation and rising prices throughout the restaurant industry, Poquito Mas has kept its things steady with nothing more than $16.
When the first restaurant opened in 1984, “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince was the number one song, Ghostbusters dominated the box office and a gallon of gas was $1.20. For the Valley girls, boys and their parents, Poquito Mas became the go-to place for Baja-style Mexican food.
“We’ve watched our guests grow up over the years,” said McCarney. “Kids are now parents; parents are now grandparents. We’re seeing generations dine together, and it makes us very appreciative of our many loyal guests.”
Poquito Mas will celebrate its 40th anniversary throughout October with giveaways, philanthropy and more.
