An Interview with Owners of Pacifico Resturant

Si es para nosotros, es para nosotros : If it’s for us, it’s for us.

Alejandra and Carlos weren’t looking for Pacifico, it found them.

The owners of Quiero Cafe’s in Portland and Saco attended last year's Cabin Fever Reliever in Saco Mill #4. When they entered the space for the event, they felt at home. They explored what it would take for them to own space and turn it into an upscale restaurant that paid homage to their Latin American roots.

The original idea was to create a “cevicheria”, but it was hard to pronounce and they felt it was too limiting. After taking a baby-moon in Miami, Alejandra and Carlos did some research, taste tests and vibe checks to uncover their opportunities. The name Pacifico seemed fitting as both of their home countries border the Pacific Ocean.

Alejandra said, “We started small so we could grow. Carlos and I met in Portland but we both come from South America, he from Colombia and myself from Chile. I started working in America as a waitress and Carlos started as a dishwasher barely speaking any English. We’ve dedicated our lives to opportunity and accomplishments and we’re really proud of what we’ve created together.”

“We knew we could do this,” Carlos continued, “because of our reputation in our cafes, and the acceptance and appreciation for something new the communities have shown us.” 

Some people, the couple said, move here and get comfortable. They say they’ve learned not to be afraid to do whatever it takes. 

“Your mind is your biggest barrier,” Alejandra said. “We take our time and if we can do something, we set our mind to it, we work hard and we will achieve our dream.”