The Anaya family began its own tax business in 1987. And as if that didn’t keep them busy enough, they opened their own restaurant in 2005.
It’s easy to say that the Anayas have had to sacrifice family time in order to grow the business.
And to make matters more complicated, Joe’s Steakhouse & Grill is based downtown — a place that is recently seeing a resurgence in interest, but for a long time has been a difficult place to make a living.

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While the tax business relies on many long-time clients and valuable referrals, the restaurant has presented its own set of challenges. But this month, it is celebrating its 11th anniversary — no small feat for a Downtown Fresno eatery.
A second generation of Anayas bring the lifeblood to the business, as they have since they were 5-years-old, doing jobs such as shredding papers, filing, cleaning and now servicing tables, cooking, menu preparation and payroll.
To owners Joe and Maribel Vera-Anaya, it’s clear the restaurant would not be open without their children.