The driver who died in a on Interstate 280 Saturday has been identified as Isaac Mejia, the beloved owner of Don Pico's and an active member of the San Bruno community.
Just after 11 p.m. Saturday, Mejia was heading north on I-280 near the interstate Highway 380 connector in San Bruno when his car slammed into a concrete wall on the freeway, the CHP said.
Mejia, 51, a longtime San Bruno resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators are trying to determine whether he died solely due to injuries suffered in the crash or for medical reasons.
Mejia grew up in San Bruno and was the son of immigrants from the Mexican state of Sonora—Issac Mejia Sr. and Herlinda Mejia—who opened in 1975. The restaurant was a small operation until Mejia took over the restaurant in 1999. He brightened the look of the restaurant, updated the kitchen and added his own touch to the menu.
Don Pico's is now an institution in the city.
Recently, the restaurant , and the exterior of the building was updated, the restaurant was expanded in size, and a second dining room and bar were added. Mejia also adorned the restaurant with a number of antique items, including chandeliers made from Austrian crystal from the San Francisco Ferry Building, a trophy fish from Bing Crosby’s private collection and a 1925 mahogany Brunswick bar from the San Francisco Cliff House—an extension of his love for art and design.
Just down the street from Don Pico's is Mejia's second San Bruno restaurant, The Rib Shack.
In addition to being a restauranteur, Mejia was very active in the business and volunteer community. He has been involved with the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce for years, and he was a dedicated member of the San Bruno Lions Club.
At the Lions Club's installation ceremony in June, the club honored Mejia with the .
One of the things Mejia was always known for was his willingness to serve others.
"He was one of the most magnanimous people I've ever met," said Mel Phillips, a past president of the San Bruno Lions Club. "He was willing to help everybody."
Mejia leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
Frank.Yonne Franco
young and gentle MAN. To Lucy,Francesca,Florencia,Annabel & Isaac's parents our hearts & prayers are with you. We have been patrons of Don Pico's for over 30 years. Isaac brought the coulinary touch to his restaurant. He had pride & joy in what he created & we as his customers enjoyed every bite. His eyes sparkled as he smiled. The loss is deep for the family he left behind, but Isaac know that what you did for us we will support Don Pico's for your family, enen though it will never be the same without you. R.I.P. Cwetka & Phil
Enrique Ramirez
LOVE UR FRIEND,MANNY CONTRERAS
I loved Issac as he was a mentor to me. He had the biggest heart and always shared his wealth of knowledge. He helped my family sell our business next door. He invited me to his house and came to my wedding. This is so sad. My condolences to the family. Isaac, you'll be missed my friend. Y.
Much love, Ray & Connie Meaney