Louie Martinez Sr.

ESCONDIDO — Louie Martinez, beloved brother, father, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend left this earth on January 6th, 2023 surrounded by his children and grandchildren, while they held his hand, told stories and listened to jazz.

Born to Gregoria and Raphael Martinez in Santa Monica, California on October 19, 1936, Louie joined the family restaurant business at six years old when his father opened a restaurant in the La Jolla/birdrock area called La Rancherita in 1942. Previously, Louie’s

October 19, 1936 - January 6, 2023 grandparents, Ernesto and Salome Martinez opened a restaurant in Escondido on Grand Avenue in 1934 called La Tapatia which still stands today. He is preceded in death by his wife Lynne Martinez and his good friend and first wife, Edith Martinez. He was one of nine brothers and sisters and is survived by the only remaining sibling, Beatrice Cordova, his sons Louis Martinez, Jr., Robert Martinez and Kim Mcbride, and grandsons, Alex Royer, Thomas Martinez and Gregory Martinez.

Louie left home at 18

and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his love of music. He opened several music stores in the greater Los Angeles area, and also owned a café in Alhambra. From 1971-1982, he ran both restaurants before he sold the one in La Jolla in 1982. He continued to run the family restaurant in Escondido until 1987. During the 1980s he was also a concert promoter and part of the team that started the concerts after the Padre games when they were held in Jack Murphy Stadium. Bands, such as Doobie Brothers, Ambrosia, America and the Beach Boys were among the lineup. In 1987, he handed the restaurant responsibilities to family members to pursue other opportunities, including event promotions and concerts. He came back to the restaurant in 1994 and ran it successfully until he sold it in 2004. During this time, he developed an even stronger relationship with the Escondido community, resulting in him being selected as Grand Marshal for the 1998 annual Grape Day Parade. Throughout his time at the restaurant, he incorporated his love of music and held jazz nights at the restaurant that were very popular. Many local musicians would stop by to sit in on a session or two.

In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandsons, gigging with his various bands, the last one being “Let’s Reminisce”, hanging out with his close friend, Shirley and taking morning walks with his childhood friend, Joe Ortega. He was a kind man with a wicked sense of humor. He loved puns and passed that humor onto his sons and grandsons. They loved hanging out with Gramps!

A memorial service will be held at Alhiser-comer Mortuary in Escondido on Saturday, January 28th at 11am.

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