Couple reaches life goal with opening of “La Sultana”
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The owners of “La Sultana” Ivan Pecina and Lorena Olvera with their 10-year-old son Ixan Pecina. (The Hesperian-Beacon/Yelena Serrato)
By Yelena Serrato /The Hesperian-Beacon—
FLOYDADA—Ivan Pecina and Lorena Olvera can mark becoming business owners off their life’s goals list with the opening and successful operation of their restaurant, La Sultana.
Ivan said their goal was made possible through hard work, support and, most importantly, with God by their side.
“It was a goal of mine to establish something here that we could sustain a living through,” Ivan said. “We opened for business in September of 2011, and we found success.”
The menu is menu-based on dishes commonly found in Monterrey, Mexico, and on what would sell best.
“In the beginning, we had a lot more items, but as the months passed, we noticed which items were our best sellers and stuck with those,” Ivan said.
Although the restaurant is mostly known for the delicious homemade breakfast burritos that come in a variety of combos. There are three best seller plates from which to choose – three soft tacos, two gorditas and quesadillas all of which are served with rice and beans and choice of meat.
La Sultana is located at 402 N. 2nd Street, across from the Dollar General. (The Hesperian-Beacon/Yelena Serrato)
The menu also includes barbacoa, menudo, Mexican and American burgers, tortas and seasoned fries.
“We have learned how to work with what the people like and make it better. We know it is hard to please everyone, but we do what is possible so that everyone is happy with our service.
“My wife takes care of the movement in the restaurant and prepares all the food by hand with the help of our cook Nico.” “My wife keeps the restaurant very clean. Every time the people from the state come, they never fail to compliment us on that. I am very thankful to have her by my side through this” he said.
As a full-time farmer, it is often hard for Ivan to spend the entire day helping out at the restaurant, but he said he does his part any way he can with the time he has available.
“The support we give each other is what keeps us going. Without it, I do not think the restaurant would be functioning as well as it is” said Lorena. “I feel like one of the principles of owning a business is to always be persistent. If you are not persistent you won’t get anywhere.
“Many times, you will feel tired but if you want to own a business or reach a goal in life, you have to be persistent and responsible.”
The La Sultana logo includes an image of a mountain view. For Ivan, it is a symbol of his hometown. “The mountain view that is pictured alongside the restaurant’s name is the skyline of the city of Monterrey, Mexico. The restaurant name “La Sultana” is what is often used to refer to Monterrey, meaning “The Chief” in English, Ivan said. The name and the restaurant itself is inspired by his hometown of Monterrey.
“Our goal for the future is to continue serving the community and its members” he said. “We just want to serve for as long as can with the people we have by our side. We are very blessed by God because even during these difficult times, God has never left our side. Our business has not been personally affected by the coronavirus. It feels like nothing has changed. The same people continue to go and support us and for that we know we are very blessed.”
Although her workday usually begins around 5 a.m., Lorena is overjoyed to serve her customers who choose to dine with them.
“We are thankful to God that it has all gone really well for us. I cannot complain, we are extremely blessed.
We pray that God continues to give us the strength and good health to keep moving forward. Every customer that we cross paths with, we try to emphasize how much we appreciate their business because without them we would not have the success we have today.
“We do not know how long we will have the restaurant in business because only God knows that but, in our hearts, we desire to grow and keeping going until God allows us to” said Olvera. “We are also very thankful for Maria Garibay, Nicolas Garcia and Sabrina Ortiz. They are a blessing to us. We appreciate them very much. We have built a very neat friendship with each of them, and we are glad to have them with us. They are such a great help and add to the support we need” Ivan and Lorena said.
La Sultana is open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every day except Wednesday. It also is open Sunday’s from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. To place an order, call 806-983-5175.
