About Los Arroyos

Los Arroyos

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant and Take Out first opened its doors in March 1999 at 18 W Figueroa St, next door to its current Downtown location. The name “Los Arroyos” translates to “little rivers,” but Tony and Maria Arroyo view it as “The Arroyo Family,” and their restaurant has been a family affair since the beginning: Tony was the chef, Maria was a cashier, Tony’s sister Marcela was a cook, and the Arroyos' niece Adriana worked as a cashier. Remembering the recipes from his mother’s kitchen and with help from his brother Juan Manual, also a talented local cook, Tony created his own authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine. “Our years of success at Los Arroyos are proof of the power of word of mouth,” says Maria. “The spectacular support of our customers and friends has been a huge part of our success. We are forever grateful to them and to our community.” Los Arroyos opened it's second location in Montecito in 2004, much to the pleasure of Montecito and the surrounding communities. Los Arroyos ventured out of the Santa Barbara area for the first time to open their third restaurant in Camarillo at The Promenade at the Camarillo Premium Outlets- opening in November 2009.

Tony Arroyo

Tony Arroyo came to the United States from La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico at the age of 13. He could not speak English and had no money, but he dreamed of The American Dream. Initially living with his older brother in Santa Barbara, Tony worked at several popular Santa Barbara restaurants, usually holding two jobs simultaneously. Each month, he sent money to his mother in La Piedad and was able to put his younger brother Victor through law school. He steadily worked his way up from dishwasher to management level, and was promoted to Manager by age 21. His “on the job” education and experience allowed him to develop trustworthy contacts and extensive knowledge, essential for his own eventual success in the restaurant business. Tony met Maria Rickard at a local restaurant where they both worked, and they married in 1999. When the opportunity arose to open their own restaurant, they both jumped at the chance. Their son, Diego Antonio Arroyo, was born in 2003.

Maria Arroyo

Maria Rickard Arroyo was born in San Francisco and moved to Santa Barbara with her family when she was only a year old. She is a descendent of the De La Guerra family: her grandfather was Superior Judge John T. Rickard of Santa Barbara. Maria attended local schools and received an athletic scholarship to attend University of San Diego, where she graduated with a BA in Business Administration. Maria’s career search led her on many different paths, and she soon found herself working in a local restaurant where she met Tony. She married Tony in 1999, and spends time raising their son, Diego. Maria’s education and business experience is essential for her to run Los Arroyos’ administrative and customer service branches.

Areli Miguel

Areli Miguel was born in Guerrero, Mexico and moved to Santa Barbara at age 4. Hired 6 months after Los Arroyos opened in 1999, Areli has been a part of Los Arroyos’ success since the beginning. She was initially hired to work behind the cash register and deliver food, but Areli’s many talents soon became clear, and three years later she became Manager of Los Arroyos Downtown. Areli managed Los Arroyos Downtown for almost 10 years before being promoted to Regional Manager as Los Arroyos continued to expand. Areli attends Santa Barbara City College full-time yet still finds time to enjoy her family, go to the movies, and of course go shopping. She plans to transfer to UCSB and complete her double major in Spanish and Communications, while continuing to be Regional Manager for all the Los Arroyos restaurants. Inspired by Tony Arroyo’s work ethic and integrity, Areli says, “Work is not just work for me. It’s my home and I treat my customers like they are my family.” Clearly, Areli is also on her way to making all of her dreams come true.

Non-Profits

Los Arroyos supports many local non-profits with food and gift card donations as well as discounts throughout the year. If your non-profit is interested in contacting Los Arroyos, please call us at the corporate office number or email info@losarroyos.net.

Some of the non-profit organizations we support are:
Domestic Violence Solutions
SBCC Baseball
The Oaks Parent-Child Workshop
Santa Barbara Youth Baseball Pony League
Great Strides for CF
Foothill Elementary School
Villa Majella
Santa Barbara Police Activities League
Unity Shop Fundraiser
Downtown Organization- Art and Wine Tour
SB Kite Festival
SB Dance Alliance
Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care
Junior League of SB
Teddy Bear Foundation
AYSO
Santa Barbara City Firefighters Fund St. Vincent's
Teddy Bear Foundation
SB City Firefighters Fund
Boys and Girls Club
Arts Commission
Braille Institute
United Way