The economy is struggling, consumers are wary and retail sales are struggling for air.

But don't tell that to Lucia and Francisco Lopez.

Infected by optimism and driven by a 16-hour-a-day work ethic, the couple has launched their ploy for the American dream in the form of a new Mexican restaurant in Hanford that opened last month.

It's called Arsenio's, it's located on 12th Avenue at the west entrance to the Hanford Mall and it's part of a chain of Arsenio's owned and operated by the extended Lopez clan.

But for Lucia and Francisco, this one is different. It's the first time they have had the chance to be the owners, to shoulder the burdens and taste the responsibilities of running a small American business.

They don't lack for experience.

Lucia started washing dishes at the original family restaurant in Santa Ana. From there, she moved up, eventually learning how to do everything.

She and her husband spent years working in the family's chain in locations in Southern California and the Fresno area. Most of the time, they had to work under somebody else. Then they had the chance to take ownership of a place in Las Vegas, Nev. called "Felipitos."

It worked out OK. But when their three children grew up and started asking questions, Francisco said, the smutty atmosphere of Las Vegas became a problem.

"It's too pornographic there for kids," Francisco said.

So they moved back to working in a restaurant in the Fresno area - but not as owners.

At some point, they became aware of the old Del Taco building on 12th Avenue in Hanford. It had been sitting for almost a year.

This was a second shot at business ownership. Francisco took one look the location and jumped.

"We were nervous," he said. "Everybody was telling us, 'The economy is real bad.' But it's the location. I feel like it's near where we need to be," he said.

So they hit the ground running.

Both think the restaurant's 24-hour open doors, wide variety, made-from-scratch recipes and comparatively low prices will propel it to success in a town that has seen plenty of Mexican restaurants come and go.

"This kind of food that we have, I think it's good for the economy ... Someone can come and eat for under $5," Lucia said.

The couple thinks Hanford is good for their kids. Not that they've had much time to explore the place.

Still, they like what they see. And after they get employees trained, add a few more and back off the grueling schedule they now keep, they intend to get to know the area where they hope to finish raising their kids.

"I feel good about this town," Francisco said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2432.

(Oct. 8, 2009)