NDB Alumnae Run a Family-Favorite Restaurant in the Bay Area

Celia's Mexican Restaurant is a popular place visited by many families in our Notre Dame Belmont (NDB) community. What most do not know is that Celia's is owned and operated by four of our very own NDB alumnae — Patricia Rodriguez Andrade ‘87, Rosalva Adriana Rodriguez ‘89, Claudia Rodriguez Robles ‘90 and Isela Rodriguez ‘97."

 

"Celia’s Mexican Restaurant was opened in 1960 by our great aunt Celia and Perfecto Lopez. In 1968, Aunt Celia opened the first Celia’s Mexican Restaurant at 504 Peninsula Avenue with her husband and her nephews, our dad Rafael Rodriguez and our uncle Fernando Rodriguez. After that our dad, with our aunts’ blessing, opened all the other locations with his children" (now esteemed NDB alumnae), shared Adriana '89.

 

“Our days at the restaurant consist of managing 30-50 employees, placing orders, coming up with marketing ideas, and making sure our food is the best quality and that our service is exceptional. Thanks to Notre Dame, the atmosphere and dedicated teachers helped us learn and develop leadership skills to be able to help and take over our family business. We are very grateful and proud to be Notre Dame alumnae,” Adriana '89 said.

 

Adriana remembers the dining hall at Notre Dame as a special place to gather with her friends and that she was inspired by speakers and events that took place there throughout the school year. 

 

As we prepare to celebrate the holidays with our families, we are incredibly proud of the many NDB alumnae who create spaces like Celia's Mexican Restaurant where we can gather and enjoy a delicious meal together. Happy Holidays!