Sacramento, California - Today, El Mexicali Café Restaurant of Indio was honored by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia as the 56th Assembly District’s “2016 Small Business of the Year.” Ms. Monica Murguia and her husband Luis who represented the family owned El Mexicali Café Restaurant, traveled to Sacramento to participate in the recognition event held at the Sacramento Convention Center and sponsored by the California Small Business Association.

“Today the Legislature celebrates small business owners from across the state.  I would like to specifically highlight Monica and Luis, owners of El Mexicali Café.  Thirty-five years ago, Monica’s mother Carmen, opened the first El Mexicali Cafe in Indio.  Now, the business has expanded to three locations with 70 employees.  I would like to thank the Murguia family for their success and the contributions they have made to the community”

El Mexicali Café is the oldest woman-owned restaurant in Indio and the Coachella Valley and a destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for its shrimp stuffed yellow peppers; El Mexicali Café draws locals and tourists from around the globe. Founded in 1981 by Carmen Murguia, the family legacy continues under the ownership of daughter, Monica, who personally greets guests, treats employees as family and believes that giving back to the community is the right thing to do. Grateful for 35 years of success, El Mexicali proudly supports local churches and school fundraisers, provides meals for the homeless and is actively engaged with Indio’s largest annual fundraiser for the local historical museum.

California Small Business Day™ is a special day for small business owners to connect with government agencies, elected officials and businesses that can help them succeed and grow. In addition to a morning exhibition where small businesses learn about new and existing state and private sector programs, California Small Business Day™ 2016 includes speeches from California State Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon, Assembly Speaker Antony Rendon, and Assembly Minority Leader Chad Mayes on the importance of small business in California.

California Small Business Day™ concludes with a networking reception, hosted by the Latin Business Association, where small business owners connect with state legislators and other businesses. During the networking reception, small business owners also have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the State Capitol.