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8 OUR YUCAIPA | AUGUST 2015 Jose's Mexican Restaurant is known in Yucaipa for its great food and fun atmosphere, but even more importantly, it's known for its unwavering support of our hometown. For over 20 years, Jose's has been supporting the community through fundraising, by providing food for banquets, and even feeding hungry firefighters right on the job. The popular restaurant has been under new management since April, and new General Manager Heather Khoury (photo inset) said Jose's is more focused than ever on helping the community. "Yucaipa is a small town where everyone is like family. Just tell us what we can do, and we're there," said Khoury. Khoury said she'd like to expand the restaurant's popular "Tip A Teacher" program, where schools send in teachers to become waiters for the night. Kids get a kick out of having their teacher's serve them, and all the tips collected at the end of the night go directly back to the chosen program. "I encourage all the schools to come in and talk to me about it. It's a blast. Everyone has a soft spot for teachers," Khoury said. Jose's also sponsors sports teams, and provides food for Relay For Life, The Boys and Girls Club, Toys For Tots, and more. "We try to never turn down a non profit," said Khoury. "When one place in Yucaipa is affected, we are all affected. We are all here to help each other." Mexican implant Jose Jara opened Jose's in 1989 and its been in the same location all along. Jara's daughter, Martita Jara, a long time food network star, provided the recipes and "brought the sweeter side of Mexico to Jose's" said Khoury, with the restaurants popular blackberry sauce, coconut rice and Mexican sweet corncake. Most evenings the restaurant is packed with regulars who feel right at home hanging out with friends and family at Jose's. "Our goal is to make sure everyone is comfy, happy and satisfied. It's a fun place to play," said Khoury. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm is always popular, said Khoury, as well as Tuesdays when Margaritas are half price all day. In addition, kids eat free on Wednesdays, and "Magic Joe" is back, entertaining with card tricks and making balloon animals that night. Jose's is at 33527 Yucaipa Blvd. in the Oak Glen Plaza shopping center. Hours are 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 9 pm Sunday. Call Khoury at 797-9705 for fundraising information. 5% Military Discount (former & current members) Ask for the Jarhead! 909-965-8404 Since 1985 Licensed & Insured DON'S TREE SERVICE • Ornamental Beautification of Trees • Preventative Maintenance from Wind Destruction • Correct Pruning, Trimming Skills • Tree Removals, Stump Grinding • Tree Planting/Transplanting Jose's Gives Back to Yucaipa for 20 Years By Natalie Palmer