Following in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps, Alberto Leon came to Mishawaka, Indiana in hopes of opening a Mexican restaurant. His wish came true on December 17, 1998 when he opened Mazatland at 508 W. McKinley Avenue, near Martin's Super Market in the strip center at the corner of Grape Road and McKinley.

Leon came to America in 1989, moving from Mexico to Columbus, Georgia, where he worked at a Mexican restaurant operated by his father, Francisco. He worked there for five years before deciding that he'd like to try his hand at the restaurant business.

He had friends in the Mishawaka area and thought that it would be a great location for his restaurant. When starting any business, there is a lot of preparation and know-how involved. Leon gained insight from his brother-in-law, Juan Perez, who runs a restaurant in Augusta, Georgia. The self-reliant Leon also looked within for the strength and ability needed to run a restaurant.

"I was taught to always depend on myself. I made my way out. I also got advice from my brother-in-law. That's how I am learning, by asking him questions," he said. "Starting a business is hard," he said, but he also realizes what it takes to succeed. "I care about my restaurant. I keep everything clean and have special service. I am always here and I make sure everything is perfect." Leon said.

He feels that having the right staff will ensure his restaurant will succeed. "Having enough experience to know how to take care of customers and having good workers" says Leon, are two essentials in running a prosperous business. With that in mind, he asked his brothers and a friend for help with this endeavor. Leon's two brothers, Onorato and Balder, as well as a close friend from Mexico, Horacio Alvarez, are a part of the staff at Mazatlan. Leon also feels that the level of service his restaurant offers will entice people to come for the first time and keep them coming back.