Janet and Derek Smith in front of their restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. (Submitted Photo/Derek Smith)

By Derek Craddock

NO SE NADA

P.A. couple living the dream as restaurant owners in Mexico

Feb 17, 2024 | 8:00 AM

From the icy cold streets of Prince Albert to the sandy beaches in Mexico, it’s been nothing but a dream come true for one couple and their restaurant.

Derek Smith and his wife Janet started their adventure of owning a business in Puerto Vallarta last March and eventually purchased No Sé Nada, off the popular Malecon boardwalk in the resort city.

Derek worked for years selling agriculture equipment with Flaman and still does occasionally while Janet was once a branch manager at the RBC in Cornerstone.

Near the end of one of their recent trips to Puerto Vallarta, they started to dream and eventually explore the option of buying a business in the city.

“Last March is when we started this journey and there’s a couple businesses, restaurants that came up for sale and this one popped out and I guess here we are today,” said Derek.

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(Submitted Photo/Derek Smith)

The family travelled a lot for sports and other activities but with their kids now in University, the time felt right to leave Canada and pursue their dreams of business owners in Mexico. But as Derek admitted, it wasn’t an easy process at first.

“It was a little bit back and forth for sure. Everything is a little bit slower,” he said.

The restaurant had been owned by a couple from San Diego for four and a half years. The Smiths decided to leave everything the way it was, including keeping the majority of the staff who have worked very hard to keep the establishment as one of the highest ranked in Puerto Vallarta on TripAdvisor.

They’re currently in the Top 12 but Derek would love to see them crack the Top 10.

The restaurant itself offers a variety of Canadian and American dishes with a Mexican-infused twist, including an Oaxacan Style Pastor Chuleta, Mexican-inspired Spring Rolls, Tequila Shrimp, and a Brunch menu.

“We can seat about 50-55 people,” said Derek. “We do have a nice terrace upstairs, you get the breeze in the evening and a view of the ocean, just a half a block away.”

So far, the support from family, friends, tourists, and locals has been overwhelming. Derek said that earlier in the week, 19 people from the Prince Albert were in the restaurant.

“Very good support from our parents and our kids and pretty much all of Saskatchewan and Canada is coming and checking us out here in Puerto Vallarta and it’s great to see.”

The name of the restaurant translates to “I know nothing”, which Derek admitted was fitting given that he and his wife were heading into the unknown when they purchased the business. The restaurant’s slogan is “but a good time”, which paired well with the name.

“I know nothing but a good time.”

Derek and Janet are currently temporary residents of Mexico and after four years can apply for permanent residency.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com