It all started when Luis and Virginia Vasquez decided they wanted to move to Seaside, California, a small coastal town on the coast of California. Both of them had ambitions: Luis wanted to bring Oaxacan cuisine to America, so he set forth to spread his culture. He initially rented a small space in a larger store on Broadway, where he sold Tortas—a type of sandwich filled with a combination of different Mexican ingredients. However, his lease ended due to differences with the owner. Despite this setback, Luis never let it stop him and continued on his journey.In 1999, Luis and Virginia Vasquez started La Tortuga, a Torteria specializing in Oaxacan cuisine. Over the decades, it has become a local favorite. Luis and Virginia dedicated most of their lives to La Tortuga and providing a unique dining experience. As hardworking Hispanic business owners, they were also committed to embracing American culture and decided to return to Monterey Peninsula College to earn their GEDs.To this day, Luis and Virginia Vasquez continue to share their passion with young individuals in their community. La Tortuga remains a family-run business, maintaining its legacy in Seaside.
