Our Rich History
1979
Cheryl Marquez opens Tortilla Flats. Born in Canada, Cheryl learned French cooking first. Later, she moved to New Orleans and worked in a Mexican restaurant where she learned to love the spiciness and flavors of chiles.
1994
A young waitress with a fresh design degree, an engaging smile, and an amazing mane of dark brown hair joins Tortilla Flats. Under Sheryl's wing, Zolina learned the ways of food service and bartending. She formed long-lasting bonds with hundreds of customers, and gained the trust and friendship of the entire staff.
2010
In 2010, original owner Cheryl Marquez was featured in a Good Times article talking about her Tortilla Flats journey and the flavors that inspire her. She even let Good Times in on a few secrets about what makes Tortilla Flats dishes unique. Check out the article link below.
2019
After the Cheryl's passing, Zolina and her family were presented opportunity to purchase the Award-winning restaurant, which would fulfill Zolina's long-time dream.
2022
On June 10, 2022, Zolina's dream came true when she and her mother, Azra Simonetti, became co-owners. Longtime customers were thrilled. Many of them thanked the new owners saying they had feared the restaurant would close when the previous owners passed away.
2023
On New Year's Day in 2023, a winter flood struck Tortilla Flats. As a result, our own Azra Simonetti was featured in an interview by Lookout Santa Cruz about how the community came together to hold back the flood waters. Check out the article link below.
