On September 14, 2014, Hurricane Odile made landfall as the strongest tropical cyclone on record to hit Mexico's southern Baja California peninsula. The powerful Category 4 hurricane struck near the resort city of Cabo San Lucas with wind speeds of 125 mph, bringing with it a dangerous storm surge.  The ferocious winds, combined with the large waves and flash flooding, devastated the area. 

Among the losses sustained by residents and business owners was the destruction of a recently opened local restaurant called "México Mágico," translated as "Magical Mexico".





México Mágico before the hurricane





México Mágico after the hurricane

Serving traditional Mexican food, the restaurant is the lovingly cultivated business and dream of Javier Tello. Javier has been working to establish himself in his Mexican homeland until he can be reunited again with his wife and children, who reside in Boston. Mary Carmen, his wife and the "media naranja" (the other half of the orange), is a hard-working and big-hearted woman who provides loving child-care for several local families, using her modest earnings to support her two nearly-adult children and sending whatever is left over to help her husband. She is also a beloved and loyal friend to many in the Jamaica Plain community here in Massachusetts.

Thankfully, Javier was safe during and after the hurricane. But, his modest business was virtually destroyed. The roof of the space he rents collapsed. The recently purchased kitchen appliances that are essential to his restaurant’s operation were damaged beyond repair, yet Javier is still responsible for the debt associated with their purchase. Many of the materials, such as dishes and tables, need to be replaced if he is to reopen México Mágico. Until recently, it was unclear whether the owner of the building would be able to make the necessary structural repairs, but fortunately, government assistance has been made available to property owners who suffered damage in the hurricane and plans are in the works for replacement of the building’s roof.

Unfortunately for Javier, however, similar assistance is not available to business owners to compensate them for their losses, such as those Javier sustained.  In the meantime, with no income and continued living expenses mounting, Javier needs the support of his community near and far in order to get through this difficult time, reopen México Mágico, and fulfill his dream of utilizing his passion for cooking as a business owner.

If México Mágico is to reopen in its current location, Javier will have to begin paying rent again in mid-November. He will need to purchase new appliances and furnishings and hire back his staff. These costs, plus keeping up with the debts associated with his losses from the storm damage, were taken into account when determining this GoFundMe request. Javier and his family are grateful for contributions at any level, and wish to thank their supporters in advance for their generosity and support.

Even with all of the hardships mentioned above, it should also be noted that Javier still finds time to volunteer in his community, contributing his time and hard work generously where it is needed most. He volunteers with the local fire station unit to assist in long and slow recovery efforts. He is an active member of the “Fundación de Ayuda Esteban de Los Cabos” (translated “Esteban Los Cabos Foundation of Help”), a community organization dedicated to serving the local community.



Javier preparing food for residents in need at a recent local event in Los Cabos.

By keeping busy in assisting others, Javier’s faith remains strong that he will be able to rebound and be an active contributor to his México Lindo y Mágico.



Javier, pictured with two of his staff members.



Thank you for your support in helping to bring back México Mágico!