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Meet Your Neighbor: Bob Ansara
By Callie Thomas
Have you ever noticed that there seems to be a direct correlation between families and sharing some of our most meaningful moments over food? For the past 31 years, families in the community have been sharing special meals and celebrations at Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant and Catering. Resident Bob Ansara, co-owner and operator of the famous Las Vegas eatery, is proud to be a part of so many of Las Vegas’ cherished occasions. “We’re indebted to the community that has supported us for so many years,” says Ansara. “Restaurants have a way of weaving through families and generations. Ricardo’s has been fortunate to play a minor role in thousands of family celebrations, each of which ties us closer to the community.”
Ansara grew up in the restaurant business. His family has a long history of being food and beverage people, so it wasn’t unusual for Bob’s first jobs to be–where else–in restaurants. After completing school he welcomed the opportunity to move to Las Vegas. “It’s been a wonderful place to plant roots, get married and have a family,” Ansara said.
It was only natural to feel the need to give back to the city that has provided so much to Ansara’s life. As a result, Bob has served on the board of many associations, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as a Trustee, the Nevada Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association as Director Emeritus and Valley High School Tour and Travel. In continued support of these organizations, as well as local charities, Ricardo’s has served as host to many influential events that ultimately change the lives of those in the community.
As host restaurant for Nevada Cancer Institute’s annual “Dine for the Cure” event, Ricardo’s provides the opportunity for residents to eat, drink and make a difference. In addition to showcasing some of the restaurant’s signature fare, 30% of all sales for the evening go to the institute so that it may continue to offer cutting-edge cancer treatment and research services to support the fight against the disease. “We are thrilled, especially in these times, to be able to support Nevada Cancer Institute and raise much needed funds for their state-of-the-art medical center that continues to provide hope to those battling cancer in our community,” said Ansara. The restaurant and its generous service team have also hosted other local events where proceeds help those in need within the community. One such event is a happy hour to benefit The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas, where 50% of all proceeds have gone to the organization. Ricardo’s has also been the location of several signature Taco Eating Contests that have benefitted the Helen J. Stewart School that caters to special needs students.
Perhaps the most extraordinary show of support occurred at the restaurant’s 31st anniversary celebration, which culminated in breaking the world record for the largest margarita. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the number to beat was 7,039 U.S. gallons. Ricardo’s mixed their record-breaking drink with hibiscus-infused Rosangel tequila, which gave the margarita a pink hue; a perfect libation for honoring Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to which proceeds from the sale of the colossal margarita were donated. “We are grateful for the continued support from the Las Vegas community, so creating an anniversary celebration of more than 30 years into a fundraising event was a great way for us to say thank you,” he said.
Hard work, dedication and giving back to the community are an everyday part of Bob Ansara’s life. “It’s a way to keep our city strong and to help those who are helping others. Our efforts provide the less fortunate with critical assistance at a time when they may have run out of options. We are proud to create a warm and loving atmosphere for our community.”
