Verdugos in Downey to close, reopen as Buena Mesa

DOWNEY, CA — Ralph Verdugo will soon close his namesake steakhouse in Downey and reopen it as Buena Mesa Mariscos and Steaks, combining his signature steaks with the mariscos menu from his longtime South Gate restaurant, of the same name.

In an emotional video posted to Instagram, Verdugo said the decision did not come lightly.

“I tried so hard, extremely hard, from the bottom of my soul to bring a good steakhouse to Downey,” he said. “But we have to evolve.”

Verdugos has been open for just under two years. Verdugo said in a phone interview that while business was initially strong, things changed at the start of 2025, when rising food prices and a drop-off in customers began to take a toll.

“We went from being full five times a week to… just three customers a day,” he said. “I can’t afford to compete with the big box restaurants—$10.99 steak and eggs. And I mean, for $10.99, what kind of steak are you getting?”

According to the National Restaurant Association, beef and veal prices rose 9.3% from June 2024 to June 2025, with similar increases in eggs and seafood.

The new concept will open August 13 following a one-week closure for the transition. The streamlined menu will feature ribeye, filet mignon, grilled octopus, and garlic mashed potatoes, while slower sellers like chicken piccata and specialty salads will be cut. The restaurant’s full bar will remain, with an expanded mezcal and tequila selection.

Verdugo says Buena Mesa South Gate will continue operating as usual, with staff rotating between both locations to maintain consistency.

Community support, Verdugo said, has been overwhelming.

“Not one negative comment,” he said. “Just, ‘We’ll be there.’”