Mario Navarrete, born in Mexico on Aug 7, 1953, moved to the US at a young age, and through sheer willpower, became a thriving business owner, turning his dreams into reality.

He opened his first tavern, Coco, followed by Coco #2 in Compton, CA, then expanded to Sanger in 1985 with Tavern El Palacio and other small businesses.

In 1995, he made a bold move to Washington, where he established the Carniceria La Michoacana, a restaurant and meat market celebrated for its mouthwatering carnitas and chicharrones. His love for cooking and hosting ignited joy in family and friends, making him the life of the party.

Blessed with eight kids, Monica, Mario, Julissa, Chato, Enrique, Amalia, Arturo, and Luis, 14 grandkids, Ricky, Mario, Jasmine, Destiny, Asjanique, Yandel, Valerie, Raymond, Elize, Eliseo, Nathaniel, Gizzell, Azariah, and Elianna, and five great-grandkids, Penelope, Mario, Elliot, Ricky, and Sebastian, his legacy continues to inspire.