CLARION, Pa. — The López family, hailing from Jalisco, Mexico, has been bringing a taste of their homeland to the heart of Clarion for nearly two decades.
(Pictured above: The López Family at Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. Photo credit Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography)
Approximately 35 years ago, the family embarked on a journey to the United States with the dream of sharing their culinary traditions. Their aspirations materialized in 2005 in the form of Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, a beloved local establishment that is fast approaching its 20th anniversary.
Their endeavor first took Ignacio López Sr. and Maria López Heath, Ohio, with the opening of Puerto Vallarta, in 1997. Then to Columbus, Ohio, where they ran Puerto Vallarta from 1998 to 2003, and from 2003 to 2005, they operated their Mexican restaurant in Circleville, Ohio.
In 2005, Ignacio and Maria’s culinary journey landed them in Clarion, Pa., where they opened Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. The restaurant quickly became known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, a reflection of the rich flavors of Jalisco.
The entrance to the Cozumel Restaurant and Cantina.
Maria’s eldest son, Ignacio, recalls the significant change the restaurant brought to their lives.
“Jesús and my dad (Ignacio Sr.) had us come here and run this restaurant,” he shared. “That was in 2005, and we are still here. It changed our lives when we came here.”
Ignacio Sr.’s brother, Jesús López, owned Cancun Restaurant, in Youngstown, Ohio. He decided to join his family in Clarion and merged with Ignacio Sr. and Maria at Cozumel in 2005. Unfortunately, Jesús passed away in 2021.
Today, Cozumel is a family affair, with Maria at the helm and her children—sons Ignacio and Cesar, and daughters Silvia and Paola—playing key roles in its operation. Marco, another of Maria’s sons, also contributed to the family business during his high school years.
Maria López, owner of Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.
The family-centered nature of the restaurant is not just a dynamic but a strength, according to Cesar López.
“I would say it makes it easier to talk to each other,” he said. “I feel as if we are more comfortable working with each other, too.”
Cesar López (standing) takes orders from customers at Cozumel Restaurant.
Maria chose the name Cozumel for its beauty, a sentiment echoed by Cesar: “It is a beautiful city, and my mom just loves the name.”
After experiencing life in a bustling metropolitan area, the family has come to appreciate the tranquility of their smaller town.
“When we were living out in Columbus, we didn’t like the bigger city,” Maria explained. “It is much quieter and safer here. It is very tranquil here.”
As they near the milestone of two decades of service, the López family remains committed to evolution and staying current with the times.
“We want to be innovative and keep up with the times,” Ignacio said. “Whatever the people want, we are going to try to fill their demands.”
Ignacio López displays the fresh selection of foods in the kitchen.
Innovation comes in the form of new menu items and updates to the kitchen staff.
Maria mentioned the introduction of Quesabirria, Al Pastor Tacos, Rice Bowls, and new drinks, as well as the much-anticipated addition of Churros with Cajeta to the menu.
Cozumel has established itself as the go-to location for celebrations ranging from graduations to birthdays, and holidays such as Cinco De Mayo. The Day of the Dead, and National Margarita Day.
Located within the Clarion Motel 6 at 24 United Drive, Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina invites patrons to enjoy their dishes and specials throughout the week, with business hours extending from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Ignacio López at Cozumel Restaurant’s bar
Their weekly specials offer a variety of enticing deals, from the Beef or Chicken Chimichanga on Mondays, paired with SOL Mexican Beer, to the Steak or Chicken Fajitas on Sundays, complemented by a 20-ounce Lime Margarita.
Come see what’s new…
Quesabirria
Rice Bowls
Churros with Cajeta
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant and Cantina have historically been involved in the community through donations to many foundations and fundraisers since their arrival in Clarion in 2005.
As the popular restaurant nears its 20th anniversary, the López family continues to serve up tradition, innovation, and the flavors of Jalisco, all while embracing the community that has become their second home.
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