David Marquez, owner of Comedor Rincon de San Pancho, had this to say of this past season. "The ongoing road construction did affect me. Last year there were more customers, but I am seeing the customer base pick up." His restaurant is located on the corner of Primavera and Costa Rica. The most recent section of road construction did divert the main flow of traffic away from entrance to the road upon which his restaurant lies. Despite a recognized decrease in consumer base, David has successfully remodeled his restaurant and is optimistically looking towards the future. Open every day but Sunday from 7:00am-3:00pm and 5:00pm - 8:00pm David gives a huge smile as he says, "Come join us, we welcome everyone and speak both English and Spanish!"

 

Many of David's sentiments were echoed by Gino Lampier of Calandria Reality. Gino voiced his disappointment with the flow of traffic through town this season. "People would hit the detour and simply turn around at the beginning of town, never to come back. The problems we have had this year with traffic circulation are very similar to those Sayulita faced last year with their road construction." Gino has a unique perspective on the volume of tourist activity in the area because he is lead singer for Juan Ted and the Amazing Rhythm Roosters, a local band that plays not only in San Pancho but in neighboring towns as well. He reports that tourism is alive and well in the Riveria Nayarit; crowds have been healthy in venues he has been playing.

 

Galería Serendipity and Galería Corazon share a highly coveted location at the corner of Calle Cuba and Av. Tercer Mundo. Owners Judith Anderson, Jesse Hendry, along with Judi and John Levens open their shared gallery space between 11:00am-5:00pm every day excecpt Sundays and Mondays. This is a new location for both businesses this year, but owners knew what challenges to expect. "We knew this season was going to be a bit slow because of the economy," states Judith. "We have really made some good contacts, gained some great exposure, and remain optimistic. "  She went on to indicate that she felt that business will definitely turn around for the better in the near future.
 
It is no secret that San Pancho relies heavily on the tourist trade in order to flourish. It is unfortunate that many had to struggle through adversity brought about by the dip in the economy. The local situation was then exacerbated by our ongoing road improvement project. These findings do have a silver lining in that tourism in the area reported to be on the incline. Even better, road construction is rumored to come to conclusion in the very near future.

 

 

 

 

 

Article by Nicole Fredrichs. Nicole is the Director of SanPanchoLife.com. She received her degree from Boise State University and has a background in Marketing. She has been living in the area since June.

 

Spanish translation done by Julie Ferrara. You can contact her for translation details.

Every year during March you have probably seen decorated boxes with local children's photos and a slot to place coins. These boxes are to raise money for San Pancho's church, San Francisco de Asis, and every year a "Queen of Spring" or "Reina de la Primavera" is elected by who has raised the most money in their box. This year the crown went to Fani Vallejo Gil who raised over $2,300 pesos. The total raised for the church this year was over $14,000 pesos.

 

 

 

 

 

Article by Nicole Fredrichs. Nicole is the Director of SanPanchoLife.com. She received her degree from Boise State University and has a background in Marketing. She has been living in the area since June.

 

Pictures provided by Elisabeth McColl.

Spanish Example: ¿Me das una pista para este rompecabezas?

 

English Translation: Will you give me a hint for this puzzle?