When dining at The Den for any meal, customers expect to be delighted with tasty pancakes and omelets, however, many did not expect to be greeted with the charismatic personality of manager, Pete Esquivel.
Mr. Esquivel, who worked for the company for over 20 years, died this past week at the age of 58.
Pete was a part of The Den’s family since it opened in January of 2015. Although he brought years of experience with the Denny’s company to the business, he encouraged new employees to take chances and begin their careers at The Den.
“He was a positive and encouraging manager. He hired me, and I didn’t have any experience, but he was confident in himself that he could teach me to be successful at The Den,” said Jazmin Polloni, an employee at The Den.
Pete’s confidence and positive energy extended throughout the restaurant. Several employees recalled how Pete’s warmth could be felt by employees, customers, and anyone Pete came to know.
“Pete was a ray of sunshine,” said Valery Nieto, an employee at The Den. “He was always cheerful even though he worked everyday for more than eight hours. He made sure to make everyone around him smile. Pete was the kind of person who greeted people like they were his long time friends. He loved SDSU and the students, and I believe the students liked Pete too,”
Pete’s love for people was intensified for SDSU athletes. Although he did not attend SDSU, Pete was known as SDSU’s biggest fan.
“No one understands how much he loved Aztec basketball and football players. He loved whenever athletes would come into the restaurant,” said Den employee Kierra Soward. “He went to all the games, and if he didn’t go it was because he was working. He would watch those games or listen to them on the radio in the break room.”
Although Pete was extremely dedicated to the job he loved, he continuously supported his student employees and their dreams for the future.
“While we were working, he would ask us how our days were that day,”Nieto said. “Since most of us were students, he wanted us to do well in school. He told me that school was more important than work; he believed we could do greater things with out lives.”
Though The Den family remains strong and close knit through this difficult time, they are doubtful that anyone can take his place in their hearts.
“We all loved Pete so much. I don’t know if anyone will be able to fill his shoes,” Polloni said. We lost a positive part of The Den.”
A memorial service will be held for Esquivel on May 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Denny’s on 2691 Navajo Road in El Cajon.
