About Us

Señor Sancho’s was born as the dream of two kids who were young, in love, and just crazy enough to strike out on their own. While Carlos and Marianne Leyva worked in other people’s restaurants, they spent their spare time brainstorming restaurant concepts (okay, they were broke. They couldn’t afford to go to the movies). From logos to menus to décor, they put it all down on paper, until one day a golden opportunity presented itself on Spring Street in Paso Robles. Never mind that they had just used all their worldly wealth to buy a tiny condo in Santa Maria, and were commuting to Santa Barbara for work. Here was their DREAM, and they were determined to pursue it!
Drawing on their knowledge of restaurants in general, Mexican food in particular, and their vast store of Mexican souvenirs from their honeymoon, Carlos and Marianne opened the restaurant in 1990 under another company’s name. In 1992, emboldened by their modest success, the name and menu were changed to the present-day Señor Sancho’s. This is when things really started to take off, and when in 1993 they added a full liquor license, Sancho’s came alive with some of the best margaritas anywhere.
By 1997, the restaurant had become one of Paso’s favorite dining spots. People were coming for miles around to enjoy the upbeat, colorful atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the fabulous food and drink. The restaurant was so busy that the Levyas started looking for a second location on the east side of town. This led to the birth of Señor Sancho’s on Creston Road, a vibrant little brother to the location on Spring Street.
Today, the two locations prosper in harmony, serving thousands of happy customers and attracting some of the most dynamic staff members anywhere. The Leyvas have been able to step back from their earlier tasks of cooking, waiting on tables and washing dishes. Rest assured that they’re still deeply involved in operations, but now they’re capably assisted by Jeffrey White, the able-bodied and amazing General Manager, and four equally terrific Unit Managers: Vicky White, Jacob Root, Andrea Maloy and Tyler McNealley. Our staff is rounded out by some of the greatest cooks, bartenders, dishwashers, servers, buspeople and hosts in San Luis Obispo County.