Pictured here are members of the Fraser family, which founded Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill.  Standing (front row, from left) Kathleen Fraser, Lisa Fraser, Suzanne Fish, Sabrina Sandoval, Kyle, (middle row) Emmerson Gunzelman, Melinda Fraser, Linda Fraser, Rick Fraser, Rod Fraser, Faith Fraser, (back row) Chris Bohning, Suzie Bohning, Wayne Fish, Matt Coulter and Peyton Fraser.

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When Adolfo Aragon came to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager in 1990, he needed an education, a place to live and most importantly, a job.

He enrolled at Orange High School and started living in a garage, eventually finding his way to Patricia Fraser at Don José Mexican Restaurant corporate headquarters.

“I went to a lot of places where no one wanted to hire me, especially as a little kid,” he says.

Fraser offered Aragon some cash and a place to stay until he could get on his feet, but he declined.  When she saw Aragon’s determination, Fraser offered him a busboy position with one condition: he had to finish high school.  Aragon has now been working for the Frasers more than 30 years.

Roderick and Patricia Fraser’s legacy in Orange is rooted in entrepreneurship through their ownership of Don José’s and later Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill, as well as Rod’s Liquor Store—an Old Towne Orange landmark for 70 years.  That legacy extends beyond businesses.  It has touched multiple generations of people who have built careers and raised families thanks to their leadership.

“When I started working, my goal was to be working in the restaurant and to be a manager.  I have reached that goal thanks to the Frasers,” Aragon says.

Rod Fraser, a World War II transport pilot, met his future wife at a United Service Organizations dance.  Patricia Showalter, a local girl whose father served as mayor of Orange in the 1940s, lived on a ranch near Chapman Avenue.  They married in 1943 and had seven children.

Rod owned a fleet of Bell helicopters he leased to the U.S. Forest Service.  He parked one in the middle of the orange groves in his backyard, located across from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.  He sometimes took nuns on flights.  The house was eventually relocated, and the site is now home to Trico Sycamore Plaza off Batavia St.

Founder of Rod’s Liquor, Roderick Anthony Fraser stands behind the counter, circa 1967.

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“One of my early memories of my dad is him taking us up for flights, chasing jack rabbits on the ground,” says the couple’s daughter, Suzanne Fraser.

Rod purchased a liquor store that he named Rod’s Liquor in 1949.  “At one time, he had 22 liquor stores,” says his son, Rick Fraser.

The Frasers developed an interest in restaurants after investing in several Marie Callender’s locations.

“We had a liquor store in Huntington Beach and in that center, there was a Mexican restaurant,” Rick says.  “My dad would check on the store and stop in to have lunch at Don José’s.”

The family pursued a licensing agreement with Don José’s and at one time ran 12 restaurants, managing locations in Orange, Tustin, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Hills, Anaheim and even Las Vegas for several years.

The family changed the name to Rodrigo’s in 2017, honoring the family’s late patriarch.

The Frasers have taken time to give back to the community in various ways, doing volunteer work for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange.  Rod served as president for the hospital’s Speech and Hearing Center.  Patricia also served the American Legion for many years, taking on the role of president for a local chapter.  She helped the homeless by purchasing blankets, sleeping bags and other items from the Orange Army Navy surplus store and delivering them to Hart Park and Mary’s Kitchen.

They also supported various schools in the community by providing fundraising opportunities through the restaurant.

Rod and Patricia have 25 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren, many of whom have taken on management and other roles at Rodrigo’s.  They have been celebrating the restaurant’s 50th anniversary over several years, offering various specials to customers, such as two-dollar margaritas—a throwback to 1970’s prices.

The Fraser children are thankful to have such a long-standing business and presence in the Orange community.

“I think a lot of employees still love and respect my parents—especially my mother,” says Suzanne.  “It’s something we’re very proud of.”

Rodrigo's Mexican Grill
1230 East Katella Ave., Orange 92867  /  714-633-0330