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Not just anyone would buy a town, until
Tortilla Flat cast its spell over Alvin and
Pam Ross. In 1998 the Ross' were visiting
Pam's brother, David Levi who was staying at
Tortilla Flat. When Alvin and Pam heard that
Tortilla Flat was for sale, they partnered
with David and jumped at the chance to own
the town.
Alvin farmed in Indiana all of his life, as
his father and father's father did. But,
Alvin always had a dream of doing something
different. Pam, with her adventurous soul,
was ready for a change as well, so they
packed up and headed west.
Although Tortilla Flat became home to the
Ross' they return to Indiana every spring
and fall to help their son, Kenneth with
their farm.
Owning a town and running a restaurant has
been quite a change for the
Ross family.
Although Tortilla Flat will always remain
the same, improvements are sprouting up
everywhere. Summer visitors are now able to
cool off with the new air conditioning that was installed in the restaurant and country
store.
Tortilla Flat celebrated its official
centennial in the fall of 2004. To
commemorate the 100 year milestone, the
school house building at the end of town,
was converted into a museum. Several of the
past owners contributed to the information
the museum now has on display.
Alvin and Pam's sunny personalities surely
enhanced the friendly atmosphere of Tortilla
Flat. Pam's brother David Levi, along with
his wife Cindy, manage Tortilla Flat. Having
a helping family gives Pam the opportunity
to return to Indiana and spend time with her
children and grandchildren. Living in the
Tonto National Forest has had added benefits
for Alvin, who is able to enjoy his passion
for hunting and fishing.
Present day
Tortilla Flat has all the charm and flavor
of the "Real Old West". Precisely the
atmosphere owners Alvin
&
Pam Ross along
with partners, David
&
Cindy Levi want
to perpetuate.
Previous owner, Jerry Bryant, and Davis had
worked together in Indiana. They both had
backgrounds in the airplane design industry.
Jerry persuaded David to move to Tortilla
Flat in 1997.
David invited Pam and Alvin Ross for a visit
to Tortilla Flat and the rest is history.
No one would
have expected that love was in the future
for David, as he soon found his bride. Cindy
worked as a waitress at Tortilla Flat, but
she quickly became a valued member of the
family business. Cindy is now the restaurant
manager. Thanks to Cindy, you can now order
Tortilla Flat goodies online. Tortilla Flat
original salsa, Killer Chili spice packs, as
well as this book can be purchased on our
web site.
The Levi's have left their residence at
Tortilla Flat for a new home in Gold Canyon.
David enjoys his antique cars, while Cindy
is active in church and charity work,
including counseling prison inmates.
The Ross' and Levi's are proud to be added
to the list of Tortilla Flat owners of the
past. Their time here has surely been life
changing, and they will always have the fond
memories of Tortilla Flat. |
