We recently had the chance to connect with Rodnia Attiq and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Rodnia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rodnia Attiq, and alongside my mom, Rosario Sotelo, I have the honor of owning and running El Borrego, a family-owned restaurant that has been a part of the San Diego community for over 20 years. Our journey has been nothing short of incredible, and through every challenge and triumph, we’ve remained deeply connected to our roots.
The Beginnings: From Driveway to Restaurant
It all began 24 years ago in a humble driveway, where we dared to see if our lamb barbacoa tacos would resonate with the people of San Diego. With a simple idea and a lot of heart, we started serving our unique take on Mexican flavors — one taco at a time.
What started as a small experiment quickly grew into something much bigger than we could have imagined. El Borrego, which translates to “The Lamb,” has become a place where locals gather to enjoy authentic, soul-satisfying food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the spirit of Mexico — all without crossing the border.
Like any family business, our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating tough economic times to adjusting to the ever-changing preferences of our customers, we’ve learned that adaptability is key. But through it all, we’ve remained true to one thing: our commitment to authenticity.While lamb remains our specialty, we’ve worked hard to stay current with the trends that matter to our customers. Over the years, we’ve expanded our menu to include options for vegan and vegetarian guests, ensuring that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy At El Borrego, family isn’t just a part of our story — it is our story. Every dish we serve, every customer we greet, and every decision we make is driven by the love and care that defines our family. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just a customer — you’re a guest in our home. We treat every person who enters as if they’re part of the family, because to us, that’s what dining out should feel like: warm, welcoming, and personal.
Our restaurant isn’t just about the food; it’s about creating an experience. We’ve worked hard to build an atmosphere that transports our guests straight to Mexico, where vibrant colors, rich flavors, and a sense of community abound.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My Mom
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust yourself, your personality and smile will take you everywhere.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying and enjoy more time with family and friends
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elborregosd.com
- Instagram: el_borrego_restaurant
- Facebook: elborregosd
Image Credits
Rodnia Attiq
