SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Pioneer : Primo VillanuevaBack in 1954, when B.C. Lions’ first Head Coach Annis Stukus needed help forming an Offensive Backfield, he looked south to UCLA’s star All- American Primo Villanueva. Soon, Primo left Los Angeles and moved to Vancouver, with the whole Family. As luck would have it, there were no Mexican Restaurants in Vancouver, and football players love to eat. So, Primo went into the Mexican Food Business with his first Restaurant the “El Toro” on Robson and Granville in downtown Vancouver. Although Primo enjoyed success at this location, it was in 1960, when he opened Primo’s Restaurant, at the former Cozy Inn Cafe on West 12th Ave-Just off Granville, and did his Restaurant career take off. Soon, Restaurants in Calgary, Edmonton, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Richmond would open. For about 25 years, Primo took great pride in being at the Vancouver restaurant as much as possible, and in the mid eighties, Primo’s youngest son Mark took over ownership. Mark is currently is in the succession process with his 2 sons, Joel and Jensen, who will be the future of Primo’s As Mexican Food became increasingly popular in Canada, Primo soon expanded to Super markets to meet the need. Canada Safeway was first, and soon every major supermarket was carrying a variety of Primo’s Mexican Foods and condiments. With help from son Primo Jr., Primo then started to supply other Restaurants, Bars, and Pubs in B.C. with Mexican Food products. Primo retired from the food industry in the 90’s and currently lives in Ocean Park, BC with his wife Phyllis and their pooch Sarah. Click on the image below to start video
Introduction movie shown during the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Gala, March 2009. |