Where Every Bite Tells a Story

This story is to let those people who have been with us for years and those who have not known exactly how and where Nino’s all began. The story begins long before the 1990 opening. 

The journey began when a young man by the name of Johnny G. Garcia met a young lady by the name of Mary Alice, both Arizona natives growing up in the West valley. Johnny G. resided in Waddell, and Mary Alice in what is formerly known as the Citrus Park area; today known as Clearwater Farms. The two were married shortly thereafter in 1955; at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Phoenix and began to build a life together.

One year later in 1956 the Garcia’s had their first child; Johnny E. and soon after, followed two more, both girls; Fifi in 1958 and Margarita in 1960. As a family, the Garcia’s grew up in the original townsite (1 sq. mile) of Surprise AZ. 

The family continued to grow as Fifi marries her true love, Chris Calzada. Together, they have three children: Christopher (Buba), Monica, and Angelica. In 1986, Johnny E. became an AZ highway patrolman. Three years and six months later while responding to a call, tragically, Johnny E. passed away. (1989).

In loving memory of Johnny E, along with Grandpapa’s (Johnny G. Garcia) passion for food and people, mixed with Chris’ knowledge and experience of the restaurant industry, the family ventured on a path of entrepreneurship and opened a restaurant serving delicious, made-from-scratch Mexican food. 

The name, you have all come to love, “Nino’s” wasn’t named by chance, it was named with a purpose; Johnny E. was Nino to the families first grandchild, Christopher (Buba). Nino translates to Godfather in Spanish. With a name of purpose, in 1990, Nino’s Mexican Restaurant opens its doors in Sun City. For the family this was a chance to roll the dice. The family stood behind the counter working together to build a legacy to honor Nino Johnny. 

As the grandchildren grew, they found themselves in the restaurant helping any way they could. During the journey, the family gained support of the community as well as many loyal customers to help Nino Johnny’s honor continue to prevail.

Today, the memory and legacy continue; Nino’s is currently run and operated by Johnny G. and Mary Alice’s grand-kids, Christopher (Nino Buba) and sisters, Monica and Angelica. The family, Chris, Fifi and Margarita as well as the great grandchildren are also involved in the restaurant on a day-to-day basis. Be on the lookout for the great grandchildren, Leilani, Johnny, Lulu, Charlie, and Cash. From serving, cooking, hosting, and busing, it is truly a family affair! 

Some of the best memories are made around the table and after three generations making Nino’s possible today, we invite you to discover new tastes, share, laugh, celebrate traditions, make new ones, and to be our friend and neighbor.