Miguel's CEO Joins Hospital Board, Deepening a Legacy of Service

CORONA, Calif. – May 11, 2026 – In a move that solidifies a decades-long commitment to community welfare, Javier Vasquez, the CEO and President of Miguel's Restaurants, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH) Foundation. The appointment, effective immediately for a three-year term, marks a significant convergence of local business leadership and regional healthcare philanthropy, promising to amplify support for one of Southern California's most vital pediatric health systems.

For residents of the Inland Empire and Orange County, Miguel's Restaurants is more than a place for homestyle Mexican food; it's a local institution woven into the fabric of the community. This appointment extends that role from the dining table to the boardroom of a critical non-profit, signaling a new chapter in the company's storied history of giving back.

A Legacy of 'Sharing the Love'

The ethos of community service is not a recent corporate initiative for Miguel's Restaurants; it is the foundation upon which the company was built. Founded in Corona in 1973 by Mike and Mary Vasquez, the brand's core purpose has always been to compartir el amor con todos los que servimos—to share the love with everyone we serve. This philosophy, born from the warmth and generosity of its founders, has manifested in over five decades of consistent, tangible support for the neighborhoods that have embraced them.

Long before corporate social responsibility became a mainstream buzzword, Miguel's was practicing it. The company's philanthropic footprint is extensive and deeply embedded in local life. Through its 'Community Support Events,' the restaurant chain regularly donates 20% of sales from fundraisers to a wide array of non-profits, including schools, youth sports teams, and religious organizations. Its Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the accomplishments of local children with certificates and complimentary meals, fostering a positive connection with the brand from a young age. Furthermore, the company has a long-standing tradition of showing gratitude to first responders with 'Surprise Food Drops' at local fire and police stations.

This appointment of Javier Vasquez, the son of the founders, is a direct continuation of that legacy. It represents an evolution of the family's commitment, moving from grassroots sponsorships to a position of strategic leadership within a major regional healthcare institution.

Beyond the Burrito: Strategic Philanthropy in Action

Javier Vasquez's role on the LLUCH Foundation Board transcends a simple endorsement. It places a proven business leader in a position to provide strategic guidance and help steer the foundation's critical fundraising and community engagement efforts. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for LLUCH, which is in the midst of ambitious expansion and innovation projects.

"At Miguel's, our mission has always been to share the love with every community we serve," Vasquez stated. "Being invited to serve on the LLUCH Foundation Board is an extension of that belief. The children and families who walk through those hospital doors deserve every ounce of support we can give them, and I'm honored to play a part in that mission."

That mission is more critical than ever. The LLUCH Foundation is the philanthropic engine behind the hospital's work, currently driving the '$310 million Stronger Together' campaign. This initiative is designed to accelerate innovation in clinical care, advance pediatric cancer research—including cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapy—and expand regional access to care. A cornerstone of this expansion is a new five-story, 105,000-square-foot Pediatric Specialty Clinics building slated to open in 2026, which will centralize nearly 30 pediatric specialties. Vasquez's business acumen and deep community ties will be invaluable assets in helping the foundation achieve these ambitious goals.

The Power of Local Leadership in Regional Healthcare

The appointment highlights a crucial symbiotic relationship: the health of a region's key institutions is often deeply intertwined with the engagement of its local business leaders. Non-profit hospital boards rely on the diverse expertise of their members to ensure fiduciary responsibility, strategic direction, and effective community outreach. Leaders like Vasquez bring not only a passion for the cause but also decades of experience in management, marketing, and sustainable growth.

This is a responsibility Vasquez is well-prepared for. His leadership in the competitive Southern California restaurant market and his recognition within the business community, including receiving the prestigious Legacy Award at The Spirit of the Entrepreneur's 20th annual celebration in 2023, underscore his capacity for impactful leadership. The LLUCH Foundation leadership explicitly cited Vasquez's deep community roots and track record of civic engagement as central reasons for the invitation.

In a letter welcoming him, Foundation Chair Ernie Hwang noted that Vasquez's participation "will be a blessing to the children we are privileged to care for." This sentiment reflects an understanding that effective board members do more than attend meetings; they become powerful advocates who can rally community and corporate support, leveraging their networks for the greater good.

By bringing the voice and spirit of a beloved family-owned business to the foundation's leadership, Vasquez's presence is expected to strengthen the bridge between the hospital and the communities it serves. This partnership exemplifies how local enterprise, when guided by a genuine commitment to public service, can become a powerful force multiplier for vital non-profit work, ensuring that essential institutions like Loma Linda University Children's Hospital can continue to provide world-class care for generations to come.