By Mike Kinney
Originally from Honduras, longtime chef and kitchen manager Guadalupe Rivera thanks God for the opportunity to open his own restaurant in San Pablo. The reaction from his initial customers is similar. Just ask customer Fetima Kirk, who describes the food and service as simply divine at the brand new R&R’s Cafe at 1260 Rumrill Road.
“When I walk in there, I feel so welcomed,” Kirk said, adding that two of her favorite dishes are the Chorizo omelet and Chicken Terriyaki. “I can tell you that you will never leave here hungry.”
R&R’s Cafe opened on March 26 and is already gaining a loyal customer base. Part of that early success, of course, is the food, but another factor is that, fundamentally, this is a local family serving their neighbors. Diners may very well have spotted Chef Rivera enjoying time at Keller Beach Park with his kids.
And after so many years plying his trade in the kitchen, Chef Rivera has something to prove in his new venture.
“I always had the inspiration to open my own restaurant,” he said. “Thanks to God, He gave us the opportunity to open R&R’S Cafe and to be able to offer to the community excellent service and overall an exquisite flavor.”
One reason the family-owned restaurant chose to open in San Pablo is the diversity of the community.
“We love seeing customers from all races enjoy our food,” Chef Rivera said.
Also diverse is R&R’s menu, which serves up American-style breakfasts and lunches.
Emerging as popular dishes are the pancake combo, with two pancakes, two eggs any style, with bacon or sausage; the French toast served with your choice of bacon or sausage, with two eggs any style; various lunch sandwiches and a thick, juicy hamburger with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon and chipotle, served with your choice of fries or wedge salad.
“Many of our customers love our Chicken Club Sandwich,” Chef Rivera said. “We serve it on a sourdough bun with chicken, bacon, tomato, lettuce and chipotle,” along with a choice of fries or wedge salad.
The Chicken Teriyaki plate heralded by customer Kirk consists of chicken breast with dell pepper, onion, sesame seeds and steamed rice. “It’s quite filling,” Rivera said.
Kirk describes the bacon served at R&R’s as “so thick.”
“In R&R’S Cafe you will never leave hungry,” Chef Rivera reassured. “Customers always come back to try other dishes.”
R&R’s opens Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call: (510) 210-6919.
