It all started with a dream
On April 1, 1976, Socorro “Mama Yuca’s” Herrera took a leap of faith. Armed with cherished recipes from her Yucatán kitchen, she turned an 8×10 shoe-shine shack in Los Feliz into a treasure trove of authentic Mexican cuisine. “She didn’t have an elaborate plan,” her daughter Dora recalls, “just a deep desire to share the flavors of her homeland and connect with the community.”
Mama YUCA’S dream was simple yet profound: to bring the true taste of Yucatán to Los Angeles. Nearly five decades later, that dream lives on through Dora, who continues to honor her mother’s legacy by greeting customers, sharing hugs, and serving Yucatecan staples like tamales, tacos, and tortas.
A place of memories and connections
Over the years, YUCA’S has become more than a restaurant—it’s a community hub, a place where generations gather for comforting, flavorful meals. “We’ve seen four generations of customers,” says Dora. “People come back, after many years away, happy to find the same flavors they fell in love with decades ago still emanating from our kitchen.”
Socorro’s warm embrace extended beyond food. “She remembered everyone,” Dora shares. “She’d ask about promotions, families, or just how their day was. Customers called her ‘Mama,’ and she treated them like family.” Even when dealing with difficult customers, Socorro’s principles shone through. “If someone was arrogant, she’d say, ‘You cannot not eat here today,’ and return their money. Those who came back the next day to apologize were welcomed back with a smile.”
Adapting and thriving through challenges
YUCA’S expanded to Pasadena seven years ago, with Dora leading the charge. The new location, five times larger than the original “Hut,” retains the same charm and beloved recipes. Yet, the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. From navigating the pandemic to managing rising costs—minimum wages nearly doubled in five years, and the cost of goods soared—the challenges have been immense.
“Through it all, we’ve stayed true to our values,” Dora says. YUCA’S has continued to give given back to the community, donating time and meals to those in need. Through their participation in the LA Wildfire Community Meals and the Latino Restaurant Association programs, YUCA’S supports local families affected by the fires, recouping some of the cost of the meals through their customers generous donations.
Carrying on the legacy
Since her mother’s passing, Dora has committed to preserve Socorro’s legacy. “She was iconic,” Dora reflects, “a trailblazing woman who always took the time to make everyone feel special. My goal is to honor her memory and keep her legend alive.”
Dora has ambitious plans for YUCA’S future, including launching packaged foods like hot sauces to reach customers beyond Los Angeles. “This way, people everywhere can experience a little piece of YUCA’S,” she says.
Lessons learned and advice for others
Reflecting on her journey, Dora shares the wisdom she’s gained. “I’ve learned that the most important thing is financial knowledge. You need to understand your expenses and set clear goals. Figure out your break-even point, and then aim higher. And always keep improving, whether people are watching or not.”
Dora’s philosophy is rooted in courage and adaptability. “Never say no. Say yes and figure it out,” she advises. “When I was younger, I joined my university ice hockey team without knowing how to skate. I played four years. Today that memory reminds me that if I could do that, I can do anything.”
A dish to remember
For first-time visitors, Dora recommends anything made with Cochinita Pibil, a dish that is the pride of her home state of Yucatán, México. And as a little-known fact, she reveals her brother’s daring promotion from YUCA’S early days: “If you didn’t like the food, he’d offer to give you double your money back. It became the talk of the town, and no one ever claimed a refund!”
Defining success
For Dora, success isn’t about money. “It’s about waking up excited to do what you love. It’s about making life worth living.” She credits the people around her—her family, her YUCA’S team, and the community—as her inspiration and driving force. “They are my North Star,” she says.
The journey continues
YUCA’S is more than a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and community. Through every taco served and every smile shared, Socorro’s vision endures, proving that the true flavor of Yucatán is not just in the food but in the love and connections it brings to life.