MEEKER | The aroma of freshly prepared Mexican food drifts through the dining room at Don Jilberto’s, where customers are greeted by a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that reflects the people behind the business.
For Alejandra Romero and her husband, Francisco Alvarez, the restaurant at 173 1st St. represents years of experience, family tradition and a longtime dream of opening a restaurant in Meeker.
The couple opened Don Jilberto’s in October 2025, taking a leap of faith after years of working in the restaurant industry and helping build a family network of restaurants across western Colorado. The decision came at a particularly busy time for Romero, who was seven months pregnant when the restaurant opened.
“We have always really liked it here in Meeker, and we have always wanted to open a restaurant here,” Romero said. “We just started with a lot of faith and hard work.”
Romero said the restaurant’s roots trace back to Alvarez, who spent years opening and operating restaurants in Colorado and Arizona. After moving back to Arizona, where the couple met, they eventually returned to Colorado and worked alongside family members in the restaurant business before deciding to establish a restaurant of their own.
Alvarez previously helped open restaurants in communities including Grand Junction, Montrose, Rangely and Craig before family members took over some of those operations. Today, several related restaurants throughout western Colorado remain connected through family ties.
Family remains at the center of Don Jilberto’s. Romero and Alvarez own and operate the Meeker restaurant together, with Alvarez serving as the primary chef.
“He’s the one that taught me everything,” Romero said.
Since opening, Romero said one of the most rewarding aspects of the business has been getting to know local residents and becoming part of the community.
“Just being able to meet new people, to connect with everyone locally,” Romero said. “When we see that people really like our food and our service and everything, that’s what we really like.”
The restaurant has worked to create an atmosphere where families feel comfortable gathering for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
“We hope that they just think of a good environment for their families and kids,” Romero said. “That they talk good about our food.”
For first-time visitors, Romero recommends menu favorites including the Meeker Burrito, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas and super fries. She added that accommodating customers is an important part of the restaurant’s approach.
“If you guys don’t like something from the menu, we always try to get something for you,” she said.
Looking ahead, Romero said success is not measured only by business growth but by family, happiness and longevity.
“Success is to just live happily with no problems, all family together,” Romero said. “And to continue many years with the restaurant.”
Nearly a year after opening its doors, Don Jilberto’s continues serving customers from its location at 173 1st St. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed Sundays.
From left, Francisco Alvarez and Alejandra Romero stand in the kitchen of Don Jilberto’s Mexican Food in Meeker while holding their son in the middle. The family-owned restaurant opened in October 2025 at 173 1st St. and reflects the couple’s longtime dream of bringing their own restaurant to the community.
The Don Jilberto’s Mexican Food team poses for a group photo outside the restaurant at 173 1st St. in Meeker. The restaurant opened in October 2025 after owners Alejandra Romero and Francisco Alvarez fulfilled a longtime goal of opening a location in the community.
