Casa Vega Founder Ray Vega Dies At Age 86

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — The founder of Casa Vega, a staple Mexican restaurant that has called Ventura Boulevard its home since 1956, has passed away. Ray Vega died peacefully on Monday at age 85, the family said.

The restaurant is currently ran by Ray's daughter, Christy. Casa Vega announced the news on Instagram in a heartfelt tribute to their founding father.

"[Ray] greeted everyone with a smile, a hug and maybe a chili pepper pen, if you were lucky," the family wrote. "Ray graced the tables to make sure everyone was happy. He bought you that drink on your birthday and was always the first to get up to dance at party. He loved making sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time. Ray loved his employees. He felt we are all family. Undoubtedly, Ray’s biggest love was his family. We will miss him unbelievably. Our hearts are completely broken. Ray is survived by his wife Charleen and children Kelly, Robbie and Christina. The Vega Family will continue to carry on his legacy."

As a child, Ray Vega immigrated to Los Angeles from Tijuana with his parents, always dreaming of one day owning a restaurant of his own. His parents opened a restaurant on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, before 22-year-old Ray broke off on his own to launch Casa Vega in 1957.

Due to the pandemic and the mandated closure of outdoor dining, Casa Vega has been closed since December 20. The restaurant says they will re-open when in-person dining is again allowed.

"Everyday without relief, especially in states with heavy restrictions, it is sadly the last call for too many restaurants & bars day after day," Christy Vega wrote on the Casa Vega website. "PPP is a bandaid on a gushing wound. Our governments local and federal have forgotten about us, sacrificed us and made us scapegoats. So we turn to you for help. We promise in return to keep the good times rolling, the margaritas flowing, the tables sanitized and PPE a plenty."