1966
A Small Table, a Big Vision
Eduardo Ruiz Jiménez arrives in Cozumel and opens Pepes across from the old ferry pier.
Cozumel · 1976–2026
From Pepes to Palmeras: 50 Years of History
A story of family, hard work, and hospitality that grew alongside our island.
Discover Our Story ↓More Than a Restaurant
A Story That Began Before 1976
The roots of Palmeras go back to Cozumel in the 1960s, when tourism was just beginning to discover the island. What started as a small family restaurant venture became, over the decades, a gathering place for island residents and visitors.
Eduardo Ruiz Jiménez · Family Archive
The Origins · 1966
Eduardo Ruiz Jiménez: Where Our Story Began
The story of Palmeras began with Eduardo Ruiz Jiménez, who arrived in Cozumel in 1966 and opened Pepes, a small restaurant across from the old San Miguel ferry pier.
Its first tables, canvas roof, and warm welcome to visitors laid the foundation for a family tradition that would eventually become Las Palmeras.
These photographs preserve the memory of the man who took the first steps toward this dream.
The Early Days
Pepes: Where It All Began
Pepes began as a small restaurant with four wooden tables, red-checkered tablecloths, and a green canvas roof. Photographs from those early years show a very different Cozumel.
In 1967, María Teresa Piña and her children arrived on the island. Among them was Noemí Ruiz Piña, who learned the value of good food, attentive service, and hospitality from an early age.
“Before becoming a restaurant for generations, Palmeras was a family's dream.”
Our Journey
Milestones Along the Way
1967
The Family Joins the Venture
María Teresa Piña and her children settle on the island. Noemí begins learning the restaurant business at a young age.
1975
A New Dream Takes Shape
Noemí Ruiz Piña and José “Pepe” Becerra Martín marry. The couple decides to open a new restaurant on the site where Pepes once stood.
1976
Las Palmeras Is Born
On a Sunday in the summer of 1976, the restaurant opens with about 30 tables and room for 120 to 140 guests.
2026
Half a Century of Hospitality
Palmeras celebrates 50 years as part of Cozumel life, preserving its family spirit and dedication to service.
The Birth of Palmeras
A Restaurant Open to the Caribbean
After the old municipal market was demolished, Noemí and Pepe applied to lease the lot across from the pier. Although the original lease was for just one year, they decided to take out a loan and build a restaurant surrounded by gardens and palm trees.
That is how Las Palmeras was born: an open-air space facing the sea, created to welcome families, friends, and travelers with genuine warmth.
Our Team · Photograph Taken Approximately Ten Years Ago
Our People
The Heart of Palmeras
Behind every dish served and every family welcomed to our tables is a story of hard work, dedication, and hospitality.
From the early days of Pepes to today's Palmeras, our team members have been an essential part of this tradition. This team photograph, taken about a decade ago, honors those who have built our story day by day.
Memory Album
Palmeras Through the Years
Images of our facades, spaces, and team members: glimpses of a story we share.
Our Legacy Continues
The Best Stories Still Happen Around a Table
For five decades, we have changed and grown with Cozumel without losing what matters most: great food, friendly service, and hospitality.
Explore Our Menu