Claudia Romo from Michoacán and Cecilia Dander from Cocoyoc, Morelos arrived in Vancouver in 2003 as strangers.
A chance meeting while working retail at Pacific Centre and later at a Mexican restaurant in Yaletown, sparked a friendship and a shared dream.
Their idea to open a restaurant was “born from a deep love for their homeland, their culture and their desire to share that magic.” In 2011, they brought that vision to life with Mexican Antojitos y Cantina on Granville Street. Over the years, their 45-seat restaurant became more than just a place to eat. It became “a refuge of shared stories and emotions that cross borders and traditions that remain alive.”
For Claudia and Cecilia, the joy has always been in the people—locals, tourists, and especially the Mexican community, who they say “welcomed them from day one with pride and affection.” One of their favourite things about being located downtown is the cultural diversity and connection it brings.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, they adapted to constant changes, holding on to their mission and the spirit of what they had built. Then in 2025, a devastating fire struck their restaurant. Despite the sacrifices and uncertainty, they rebuilt with determination. “When you love something with all your soul, no obstacle can extinguish that inner fire,” they shared.
Now, as they celebrate 14 years in business, Claudia and Cecilia reflect on their journey with pride. The faces, stories, and memories shared inside their restaurant are what keep them going.
You can visit Mexican Antojitos y Cantina at 1049 Granville or online at their website.
