At Rancheros, every dish tells a story — a story that begins in La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico, where our owner, Carmen, was born into a family with over 75 years of tradition in the restaurant business. From a young age, Carmen was immersed in the rich flavors and strong work ethic that defined her family’s eateries, including beloved establishments like Pompeyos and Cenadurías Cuquitas back in Mexico.

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Carmen’s journey started humbly, selling tacos dorados on the street, following in her father's footsteps. At just 12 years old, she was already wiping tables, cutting carne asada, preparing tacos, and serving guests with pride. While most kids her age were playing, Carmen was working 12-hour days, balancing school in the mornings and dedicating her afternoons and weekends to helping her family’s restaurant thrive.

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With a deep love for food and a passion for sharing her culture, Carmen gradually expanded her menu — first adding hamburgers and quesadillas, then the crowd-favorite: tacos al pastor. In May 2011, she brought her dream to West Branch and opened Rancheros, where she now serves the same flavors and recipes passed down through generations.

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Today, the legacy continues as Carmen’s children — Krystal, Francisco, and Rafael — begin to follow in her footsteps, learning the values of hard work, family, and food made with love.

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At Rancheros, we’re more than just a restaurant. We’re a family sharing our roots, one plate at a time.