Today we’d like to introduce you to Ulpiana Ortega.
Hi Ulpiana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Casa Monarca is a family-owned business made up of five dedicated members who share a long history in the hospitality industry, specifically in Mexican restaurants. Our journey began in New Hampshire, where we spent years building experience and dreaming of one day opening our own place. With that dream in mind, we moved to Florida and made it a reality when we opened our doors in Fort Lauderdale in March 2022.
From day one, we’ve been fully involved in every aspect of our operations. Each family member has a role that ensures we deliver the warm, family-centered atmosphere we value so deeply. Our chef and part owner, José Ortega, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, oversees the kitchen and maintains our commitment to serving food that is always fresh, authentic, and consistent. His wife, Ulpiana Ortega, serves as our General Manager, guiding the day-to-day operations. Cristian Rios leads all of our advertising and social media efforts, while Jimena Sepúlveda supports the team as our Assistant Manager.
Reaching this point hasn’t been easy. Moving from another state added its own challenges, and building a business from the ground up takes time, patience, and a lot of heart. But we are truly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from the Fort Lauderdale community. Many of our guests have become regulars—and many of those regulars have become family. That sense of connection is at the core of what we do, and it continues to motivate us every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most small, family-run businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was relocating from New Hampshire to Florida. Starting over in a new state meant learning a different market, building new relationships, and navigating a new set of rules, vendors, and systems, all while trying to get a brand-new restaurant off the ground.
We also opened in the aftermath of COVID, which brought a whole new layer of difficulty. What we hoped would be a quick process ended up taking 10 months just to open our doors, as we dealt with delays, shortages, and constantly changing guidelines. And even after opening, the rising costs of food and labor, climbing at a rapid pace, have been a very real challenge. Like many restaurants, we work extremely hard every day to stay afloat without compromising the quality and experience our guests expect.
As a family-owned business where each of us wears multiple hats, balancing responsibilities while keeping our standards high has required long days, teamwork, and constant communication. But every challenge has helped shape who we are. The support from our community and the loyalty of our guests have made the tough moments worth it, and they continue to motivate us to keep pushing forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the General Manager of Casa Monarca, I bring more than 15 years of experience working in Mexican restaurants. My role involves overseeing our employees, managing vendor relationships, and handling the administrative duties that keep our operations running smoothly. Being involved in every aspect of the business allows me to ensure that the experience we promise our guests is delivered consistently every day.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the strong, genuine connection I’ve built with our customers. Many of them have become like family to us, and creating that sense of community is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
I truly believe that what makes Casa Monarca strong is our combination of our food, attention to detail, and warm, thoughtful service. Those elements, paired with the fact that we’re a hands-on, family-run team—are what set us apart and continue to define who we are.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
There are two things that matter most to us. First, our customers. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their support. They make our days, and it’s truly a blessing that they choose us whenever they crave Mexican food. For us, it’s a pleasure to serve them, share our food, and provide an experience they enjoy.
Second, our team. Most of our staff has been with us since we opened, and without their dedication, none of this would have been possible. Their hard work, commitment, and care are evident every time our guests leave happy. Both our customers and our team are at the heart of everything we do, and they are the reason Casa Monarca continues to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casamonarcafl.com/
- Instagram: @casamonarcafl
- Facebook: @casamonarcafl
- Youtube: casamonarcafl
