Growing with the Community: 25 Years of La Cocina

When Jim and Andrea opened La Cocina in December of 1996, their main goal was to enjoy their shared passion for deep-fried tacos, and also ended up creating a space for their community to come together. Over the years, Jim and Andrea's vision has expanded, and La Cocina has become a staple in the community, bringing people together for memorable dining experiences. What they didn't know was how much their small business would grow and impact their community over the years. Owners Jim and Andrea have grown their business with their three children, Lauren, James, and Abigail, all of whom have worked at the restaurant over the years; James is currently the restaurant manager, and Abigail manages the restaurant’s social media.

For them, success seems to have come from their simple goal: to make every person who walks through their doors feel welcomed, while enjoying their tasty Mexican cuisine. Andrea put it best that, "When people come in, it's our goal to make them feel important, like they're coming into our house." For Jim and Andrea, La Cocina isn't just a business; it's a love letter to Casper and the community they've built over the past 25 years.

Jim and Andrea's love for their community is evident in everything they do. They've always been involved in local events, supporting sports teams and hosting life events at their restaurant. La Cocina hosts a yearly free Thanksgiving event, providing people with a warm and welcoming place to come together and enjoy a sit-down experience, their way of kicking off the holiday season.

As Jim and Andrea reflect on their journey, they're grateful for the many blessings that have come their way. They've watched their community grow and thrive, and they're proud to be a part of it. We can’t wait to see their new location at The Compass!