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Located in what used to be Temecula's bank building, is the 2nd oldest restaurant in Temecula. Come enjoy some fine Mexican food and take a stroll in Old Town Temecula.
Welcome to "The Bank".
Rich in local history and serving great food!
New owners, Craig and Christy Puma on opening day. February 23rd, 2007. After closing for 3 days and completing a full remodel, The bank is open for business. We offer a clean fresh dining room and quaint patio for outdoor dining. Come see the New Bank of Mexican food.
Construction of "The Bank" building began June 27, 1913 and took about one year to complete. The thick cement walls were poured by laborers pushing wheelbarrows up ramps and along scaffolding under the direction of the Remington Co. of Los Angeles. On March 27, 1914, the project was completed. Long tie rods, threaded on each end with washer steel plates, were run through the building between the two stories and the nuts tightened for safety on the second story. The walls of the building and the vault measure 18 inches thick.
During its thirty year tenure, the Bank was managed by Shumate, Ed Greenfield, Jack Chisolm, John Booge, and Bob Sartin. Maahlon Vail, who controlled the majority of stock, referred to the bank as the "hock shop". Loans were limited to $2500.00 regardless of the applicant and/or his collateral.
On August 13, 1930, while Chisolm was manager, the bank was held-up by Miguel Diaz. Since the very shrewd manager anticipated a robbery attempt at sometime, he had handy a .38 automatic pistol and screwdriver in his desk. So when Diaz took the money ($4800.00), he ordered Chisolm and Miss Agnus Freeman, a teller, into the vault. Chisolm succeeded in jamming the door sufficiently to keep it from locking. Diaz took off in a Model A FORD Coupe with a canvas top, and headed North. Manager Chisolm, with the help of a local rancher named McSweeney, captured Diaz and he was sent to prison. It is believed, before the capture, a gun fight broke out in the middle of the bank. Shots were fired and the results of those shots can still be seen on the front window today. 2 small bullet holes remain after over 75 years. However, this has not been verified.
The First National Bank of Temecula has endured a long and useful life, as well as it's share of crisis; the depression of the thirties, a bank shortage in the forties, and WWII...when it finally shut it's doors. The building remained empty until 1965 when it ws purchased by Bob and Jean Reininger and turned into an antique shop, "Sign of the Pitcher".
The Bank was carefully refurbished by David Covarrubias and took a new lease on life as an authentic, home style Mexican restaurant since 1978.
In 2007, David and Artemisa sold the restaurant to Craig and Christy Puma, who have chosen to continue the tradition started by David and his wife. It will remain The Bank of Mexican Food, but always known as The Bank! Upgrading and redecoration will be on-going. However, we will be closed for a little remodel on the 20th and 21st of February. More updates coming. The Puma's are taking over operation of The Bank on February 20, 2007.
Come join us, and see Temecula's Historical Old Town and eat at The Bank! If you've never been here, you'll love it!
MY Community Rewards (MYCR) Participating Business
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