About the Chef

Meet Cristian Rodriguez.
My journey in the restaurant industry began in November 2019. Since then, I’ve worn many hats — from busboy and runner to server, cook, bartender, and manager. Every role shaped me, teaching me discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for the craft.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of opening three restaurants, each one leaving its mark and helping me grow not only as a professional, but as a person.

Today, I bring all that experience and passion into every dish served at Mariscos Don Benji. For me, cooking is more than a job — it’s a way to connect with people, share flavors, and create moments that matter. Every plate reflects hard work, dedication, and love for what I do.

A smiling man with glasses holding a tray of glasses filled with beer inside a restaurant decorated with holiday lights and snowflake ornaments.
A young man wearing glasses and a red uniform shirt with the logo 'Los Molcajetes Mexican Restaurant' takes a selfie inside a restaurant.
Cover of a magazine featuring four people standing in front of a restaurant. The magazine is titled 'Local Life' with the tagline 'More than just a magazine!' The cover mentions Gina's Pizzeria and the date November 2024. The people include two women and two men, one man wearing a red chef's coat, all smiling at the camera.

About Our Family

It all started in 2019, at the very first restaurant where I began my journey. That’s where I met Ashly — the woman who would change my life forever. What started as a simple connection between shifts and long hours quickly became something much deeper.
In 2022, we got married. And in 2023, we welcomed our greatest blessing — our son, Benji.

His arrival changed everything. He became our reason to dream bigger, work harder, and build something of our own.

That’s how Mariscos Don Benji was born — not just as a restaurant, but as a family legacy in the making.

Every dish we serve carries our story, our passion, and our commitment to building something meaningful for our family and our community.

A man, woman, and young boy sitting at an outdoor metal table smiling for a selfie during a casual gathering. The man wears glasses and a red shirt, the woman has glasses and a blue apron, and the boy wears a striped shirt. On the table are drinks, condiments, and bottles, with a background of a wooden shed or deck area.

Family-owned • Built with passion • Inspired by Benji