Three brothers from Central America turn struggle into success by building La Bamba Mexican and Spanish Restaurants in South Florida
Margate, Florida – In the 1980s, waves of Central American families arrived in South Florida, fleeing violence, political unrest, and uncertainty in their homelands. With them came more than just hope—they brought a cultural identity rooted in food, music, family, and community. For many, these traditions became lifelines, grounding them in a new country while preserving memories of home.
It was during this transformative period that three brothers from El Salvador quietly began a journey that would leave a lasting mark on South Florida’s culinary landscape. Fidel Martinez, 65, José Molina, 74, and Miguel Molina, 68, fled their homeland amid the Salvadoran Civil War, eventually settling in the region that would become their home. Their story is one of resilience, family, and the pursuit of a dream built on hard work.
The brothers grew up in a household of 15 siblings, farming sugar cane, beans, and fruit in the mountains of El Salvador. Without electricity and with limited resources, life was challenging, but it instilled in them a deep appreciation for labor and togetherness. “We didn’t have much, but we knew how to work,” Fidel said, reflecting on those formative years.
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As violence escalated in their country, staying was no longer an option. The brothers embarked on a journey through California and New York before finally arriving in South Florida in the early 1980s. There, they found themselves in a region rapidly transforming into a melting pot of Latin cultures, where food, music, and community were becoming central to the local identity.
“People were looking for a place that felt familiar,” José said. “We understood that.”
The idea for La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurants was born out of that understanding. The name, the brothers say, wasn’t inspired by a movie or a hit song. It was chosen because of what it symbolized in the broader Latino community at the time: celebration, rhythm, unity, and togetherness. The name reflected the spirit of their upbringing and the atmosphere they wanted to bring to every customer who walked through their doors.
Starting small, the brothers worked tirelessly in restaurant kitchens, saving every penny they could. By 1988, they had accumulated enough to open their first La Bamba location in Broward County. It was a modest, family-run operation where the brothers handled everything themselves—from cooking and cleaning to greeting patrons. Their approach was simple but effective: fresh ingredients, generous portions, fair prices, and a welcoming environment.
“We wanted people to feel like they were coming to our home,” Miguel said.
Word spread quickly. Families were drawn not only to the food but to the experience—the comfort, the warmth, and the cultural touchstones that reminded them of home. La Bamba became a gathering place where stories, traditions, and memories were shared over plates of familiar flavors.
Over the years, the brothers expanded carefully, never straying from their core values. Today, La Bamba operates six locations across South Florida, including Margate, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and North Palm Beach. Despite the growth, the menu has changed little, and the family-centered philosophy remains central to the business.
Eleven siblings are now actively involved in running the restaurants. Nieces, nephews, and cousins work at various locations, and many employees have been part of the La Bamba family for decades. “We never expected it to grow like this,” José said. “We just stayed true to who we are.”
“And we’re grateful,” Fidel added. “This community gave us a chance, and we never forget that.”
La Bamba is more than a restaurant chain—it is a testament to the strength of family, the power of cultural preservation, and the possibilities that emerge when determination meets opportunity. Through their food, the three brothers have built not just a business, but a space where celebration and unity remain at the heart of every meal, echoing the traditions they brought with them from Central America decades ago.
