Our Founder

We are proud to announce the reopening of Primo’s Mexican Grill in White Rock, British Columbia. As a third generation restaurant, our family welcomes you to join us at our new location, fuelled by the same recipes and history that have provided you with an authentic Mexican dining experience for 58 years.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to meet us yet, our restaurant was established by Primo Villanueva in 1959 following his retirement from the CFL as a Halfback for the BC Lions. After 40 years in the industry, and his pivotal role in introducing Mexican cuisine to Canada (Primo’s was the first Mexican Restaurant in the country!) Primo turned over management to his Son and Daughter-In-Law who met working at the restaurant in 1990.

In 2009, Primo’s Grandsons Joel and Jensen Villanueva took over the family business – running the Granville location until 2011, when they decided to close the doors and take a break to raise their new families outside of the city.

In 2017, however, Joel and his wife Jaclynn decided that it was time to reopen Primo’s, now at a stunning new location on Marine Drive in White Rock. While the quintessential recipes which have been passed down from generation to generation remain, our new extensive tequila and mezcal bar down on the beach promises to excite both our loyal patrons and our new friends out here in White Rock!

Our motto will forever remain, Mi Casa es Su Casa, so come on down for a drink and a bite, and ask us about our history. Our family of staff promises to delight you with tales of our history, engage your tastebuds, and perhaps enlighten you on the joys of tequila and a perfectly poured margarita.

We can’t wait to meet you!

– The Villanuevas