Emiliano’s ‘grand reopening’ highlights family influence on longtime business
CRANBERRY TWP — According to Maria Vianeth Cervantes, Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant was named after her son, Emiliano, just 10 days old when their first location opened. She has worked at the restaurant for its 20 years of existence, much of it in the kitchen.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, the restaurant’s Cranberry location celebrated its grand reopening just over a year after ICE raids temporarily closed it. Now, the remodeled restaurant is branded as “Emiliano’s Mexican Table,” emphasizing a warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
The restaurant reopens with Cervantes at the helm.
“We are very excited by it. With all the struggles we went through, we got lots of support from the community,” Cervantes said. “Because of them, we’re standing here today.”
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, traditional Mexican music blared through the parking lot along Freedom Road while family members of Cervantes, including some who traveled from Mexico, danced and sang along to celebrate the restaurant’s milestone.
Following Cervantes taking over the business last fall, the Cranberry location has been remodeled to include new lighting to make the atmosphere feel warmer, new murals and a newly remodeled bar area. The restaurant features pictures of the family.
“I so proud of my family, and my aunt. What she has made this place out of, which is family, and just like our values. I’m super excited for her, and everyone here, and this new chapter,” said Sandra Padilla, Cervantes’ niece. “Everything seems so refreshed, so pretty, and the food has always been great. I feel like adding this pinch of love is going to make it even better.”
Reorienting the restaurant’s branding and overall atmosphere as based in family made sense, Cervantes said. She comes from a family of 14 children — seven brothers and seven sisters.
In addition to the ownership’s background, some of the employees have also been with Emiliano’s for years.
“We’re all really happy. I’m glad for the people here. I’ve worked with them for 17 years. I started here when I was 22. I’m so glad for Maria, and I’m glad for everyone here,” said Benjamin Mil Malaga, a longtime Emiliano’s employee.
When ICE raided Emiliano’s Cranberry and Gibsonia locations, federal agents detained 16 employees. Reporting from the time indicated masked agents entered the restaurants, flipped and emptied the kitchen, walk-in cooler and freezer and broke doors, along with additional damage. Employees were reportedly not told where they were being taken.
At the time, ICE put out a release acknowledging 16 individuals were taken into custody “during the execution of search warrants.”
An Instagram post from Emiliano’s at the time stated: “This was more than a raid. It was a tragedy. Mothers won’t see their children tonight. Fathers are gone. Workers who have served this community with pride and care — disappeared in an instant.”
In the aftermath, a GoFundMe created to support Emiliano’s staff raised over $130,000 from community members, to which its management expressed deep gratitude.
Cervantes, who has lived in the United States since 2004, mostly in Pittsburgh, is grateful to reintroduce the restaurant and share its Mexican food and culture with the community. The business has since closed its location in Pittsburgh’s South Side, but still runs a third one in Bethel Park.
“I’ve loved many things that have happened here over 20 years. It’s not easy, making everything work. Dishwashing, cleaning the tables, the signs, logistics, all the marketing, making the new menu, and for me, the most important part of the restaurant is the kitchen. And I poured my heart out in there. All the recipes I tried,” Cervantes said.
“For us, this is a really happy moment, and we’re really thankful.”
And she’ll do it with her family by her side.
“We’re feeling really good. I’m really proud of my mom,” said Cervantes’ daughter, Mia. “I grew up in the restaurant. I would always come to work with her. I grew up with the staff, I know everybody here. I’m really proud of every one.”
