History of Don Pancho’s

The Early Years… 

Francisco DeLeon was born in Hobbs, New Mexico and raised in the area of Lubbock, Texas.  As a member of a migrant worker’s family, he traveled throughout the United States. 

Out of School, Into the Work Force…

At the age of seven, he was out of school and working in the cotton fields.  On weekends, he would shine shoes for 5 cents.  Throughout his life he has worked as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and a sheep shearer.  From 1961 till 1968 he worked at Armour’s Meat Packing in Lubbock, Texas while doing merchandising on the weekends.

And Then, the Restaurant Business…

In 1969 he and his family moved to Ohio.  Francisco was married to Sofia Sepeda and they have seven children.  He entered the restaurant business on May 4, 1970, when he and his family opened their first location at the Sinclair Gas Station in Lake Milton.  This was soon followed by a second restaurant in Brimfield in 1971,  The following year, they opened in Alliance at 745 W. State Street.  Expansion continued with the opening of Don Pancho’s in Greensburg, Ohio in 1977 which he owned and operated for eight years and then sold.  With the acquisition of a Motor Inn in 1981, they headed downtown to the corner of Main and Union, where they remained until January 1997, when they relocated to their present location, back to West State again.  In addition to the Alliance location, a second Don Pancho’s opened in New Philadelphia in November, 1994. 

His Restaurants Continue Today…

He’s had several restaurants throughout Ohio.  Alliance and New Philadelphia are the only two that are still operating.  God owns his business and he is “Head Hancho”.  Francisco “Pancho” DeLeon credits God for his successful restaurants.

Have your own story to share about Pancho, the DeLeon Family,

and/or the restaurant? We would love to hear from you.

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