Cristina Sánchez opened her first Salem restaurant in 2001 at 1980 State St.

Twenty-five years later, the business she co-founded has grown into Habaneros, a six-location chain with three Salem restaurants, and on Friday, Sept. 4, guests packed the Commercial Street location to celebrate.

Sánchez said the milestone still surprises her.

The anniversary party at 4940 Commercial St. SE featured mariachi music, a taco-eating contest, a spicy salsa challenge, an official ribbon cutting and a $1,000 raffle, the Salem Business Journal reported. Guests gathered beneath tents as wet weather moved through.

The path to six locations was not smooth. Sánchez said the recession hit hard in 2010, and the owners believed they might have to close.

Partner Sabino Arredondo joined that year, providing the capital to keep the business alive.

"He's been our partner since 2010 when we thought we were going to close our doors," Sánchez said.

Arredondo remains a partner alongside Sánchez and Nancy Gaytán, whom Sánchez described as a key part of the company's success.

The restaurant operated under a different name when it opened in 2001.

The owners unified their locations under the Habaneros brand in 2019. The chain's three Salem addresses are on State Street, Commercial Street SE and 23rd Street SE. Locations in Portland, Monmouth and Vancouver, Washington, round out the six.

Sánchez said some employees have been with the company for more than 20 years. She credited a workplace culture where staff are encouraged to speak openly.

Friday's celebration included $500 prizes for each food contest, 25% off menu items chainwide and community vendor tables. Lucy Escobar helped lead the event planning, according to Sánchez.

A Habaneros Passport program, launched Tuesday, Sept. 1, invites customers to collect stamps at all six locations for a chance at the $1,000 raffle. Details are on the Habaneros website.