Arrowbear Lake family's passion for good food no match for Mother Nature

ARROWBEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- Nestled high in the San Bernardino Mountains, along Route 18, sits Victoria's Family Restaurant.

Iris Hernandez and husband, Jose, opened their doors to the Arrowbear community in 2022.

Their five daughters work here, and at 7 years old, Victoria is the heart of the restaurant. She's a tiny, but mighty host.

"They really welcome you in, like family," customer Kristen Clark said.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu is described as American comfort food, with Italian and Mexican specialties.

"Victoria, why should people come visit you guys?" ABC7's Rachel Brown asked.

"Because the food is good," Victoria replied.

French toast, chilaquiles with carne asada, and a surf and turf breakfast burrito that just hits the spot.

Gaining popularity are their pizzas, including the tasty chicken bacon ranch. Several pastas are on the menu, too.

"Being here four years has been like a dream for her, and to see the community come in and support us day after day," Mariana Mejia said.

"We survived, like, snowmageddon, which was a huge snow that was like our beginning years, and then there was a really big fire, the Line Fire, that we also went through in. We've all just been really supported by the community, our family members, and we stay in business, so thank you to them."

An American dream realized for Iris Hernandez, whose been cooking and creating recipes all her life, and immigrated from Guatemala in the early '90s.

Hernandez said she loves her clients, adding they are like family.

"We enjoy what we're doing here and we're thankful to the community, our family, our friends," Mejia said.

Fresh flavors, warm hearts and a local feel.

"It's guaranteed good every time, and it's enormous portions," Clark said, with a laugh.

The restaurant is open six days a week, and closed on Wednesdays.

Victoria's Family Restaurant is at 33227 Hilltop Boulevard, in Arrowbear Lake.

Thank you, Cheryl Fair, for the submission.

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