We recently went to a historic mural and monument reveal at Roy’s Motel and Cafe on Route 66 in Amboy in honor of Amboy owner and Juan Pollo creator, Albert Okura, who passed away last year. It had everything an honorable tribute should have, live music, raffles and and delicious food, in this case, complimentary Juan Pollo meals invented by the beloved Chicken Man himself. Most importantly, family, friends and fans gathered in the tiny ghost town of Amboy to celebrate and memorialize Albert’s life and the lasting impact he had on so many, but especially on his son, Kyle, who oversees his Dad’s businesses and pursues his own destiny in Amboy.
Albert owned the Juan Pollo restaurant chain since 1984, and was the founder of the original McDonald’s Museum in San Bernardino. He also wrote the book, Albert Okura The Chicken Man with a 50 Year Plan for the Juan Pollo brand, including his plans for the town of Amboy. Albert Okura’s story started in Southern California in 1951. The son of parents who, just a few years earlier, were interred at a forced relocation camp for Japanese Americans during WW2. Albert’s Father had been a minor league baseball player for a Japanese team at the time but joined the U.S. Army.
Albert Okura would have been proud of the latest fuss in his tiny ghost town of Amboy. His son, Kyle Okura, and other members of the family, were still keeping his father’s dream alive. During the unveiling of the monument and murals ceremony, Kyle declared tens of thousands of people traveling on Route 66 can now learn about Albert Okura, the man whose destiny was to save Amboy.
Kyle shared touching memories of his Dad before the unveiling. Kyle laughed while recalling that as kids, his sister, brother and he would often be late for school on purpose just so Albert could drop them off at school in a Juan Pollo monster truck. Albert had a large array of parade vehicles. Even in high school, Albert would drop Kyle off from his truck with a 15 foot tall Bugs Bunny or Tasmanian Devil in the back or some other eye-catching vehicle. Kyle initially enjoyed the notoriety from onlookers but as a teen finally asked his Dad to drop him off at the corner. Kyle grew up but his Dad’s love for parade vehicles endured. Albert’s “Boat Car,” which comedian Gallagher built, was one of his jewels.
We had almost forgotten how tasty Juan Pollo chicken and sides are. We were delighted to discover there are two Juan Pollo’s in Coachella Valley, where we live. There are currently 26 Juan Pollo’s in Southern California, most of them are in the Inland Empire. Photo courtesy: Roy’s Motel and Cafe
Kyle recalled Albert always tried to plant seeds in others that were lessons to bring out the best in people. The lessons his Dad taught him were unorthodox but effective. Albert reminded Kyle he was going to teach him how things really were, not how they should be. For instance, instead of asking Kyle how school was today or making small talk, Albert preferred tackling lofty topics like the meaning of life.
We were honored to meet author Steve Reyes of ‘Four Miles East of Bagdad,’ and his lovely wife. We have read his book from cover to cover and highly recommend it. It is destined to be a historic classic.
Albert talked about important subjects like what character traits it takes to be truly great instead of teaching Kyle how to ride a bicycle. When Kyle got mad or felt defeated by something, Albert urged him to use his arrogance and hatred as a motivator to become the best. When it came time to discuss sensitive matters such as dating, Albert advised Kyle to withhold from marrying while he was still young. He reminded Kyle to not fall for flattery because the wrong girls would chase Kyle for his money.
I can smell this picture and it’s fantastic. Photo courtesy: Roy’s Motel and Cafe
Kyle considered his Dad as his super hero. Albert always seemed to have a million things on his plate but somehow managed to handle it all. Kyle never met anyone with so much energy, drive and ambition as his Dad. Albert was the only person he knew that could work 365 days a year from morning until night. Albert prided himself in saying he never took a day off in 40 years, all major holidays and birthdays included. Kyle only recalled two vacations his family had while visiting family in Hawaii, and even then Albert was often glued to his phone handling business across the Pacific.
Image courtesy: Roy’s Motel and Cafe
Fulfilling his destiny was Albert’s major concern. Whenever he got bogged down by responsibilities, Albert exclaimed, “My Dad worked harder, so I can’t complain.” When others commented to Albert he worked too hard, Albert would always respond that his Dad worked harder. If Albert sold 200 cases of chicken that week and everyone was celebrating about a new record, Albert would assert, “We can do more.” It wasn’t about being satisfied because Albert felt he could always do more. His goal was to sell more chicken than anyone else in the world. His mindset was to dream the impossible dream, then achieve it. Albert never rested on his laurels, he kept striving ahead to reach his next goal.
Albert told Kyle the secret to not burning out is to refrain from patting yourself on the back, or thinking your life is too hard because those are the exact moments you convince yourself you’ve done enough. Albert believed in the power of the mind where you can will yourself to believe anything. Albert taught Kyle about relentless determination. His mantra was drive and determination. Albert explained it was best to simplify because if he complicated things then nothing would get done. He believed to excel he must become obsessed with success, even to the point of being almost delusional to accomplish goals.
Kyle remembered Albert had hired a marketing company to promote Juan Pollo. Albert sat in a room full of executives to review the proofs. Anticipating blind approval, the CEO asked Albert what he thought after blatantly disregarding Albert’s earlier input. Albert exploded. He rejected the campaign with a few expletives because it was not up to par with Albert’s vision for Juan Pollo. Although his reputation was known by many as kind and generous, when it came to business Albert was laser-focused and passionate. Albert was not a pushover. Later, the photographer shared with Kyle how awesome he thought it was when Albert cussed out the arrogant president who was overdue for an attitude adjustment. Screaming at people was never personal to Albert, he was just blowing off steam and didn’t hold grudges.
Jaylyn in her happy place.
Albert and Kyle had many long, passionate talks together with Albert always taking the lead. Although Kyle would sometimes try to steer their conversations, it always returned to how to succeed. Kyle was very inspired by his Dad. He even memorized Albert’s talks word for word because they seldom varied. Albert never claimed to be savvy or a good businessman; he just got up every day, never complained about how hard things were, and had the courage and tenacity to keep moving forward.
Stoneman Snacks offers a variety of freeze dried snacks. We sampled gummie bears and pecan pralines. They were delicious.
Albert discovered another extension of his destiny. It would be to own the site of the original McDonald’s in San Bernardino. Later, an opportunity arose to buy a whole town in the Mojave Desert. For Albert, it was kismet. Kyle poignantly recalled the day in 2005 when he found out. Kyle was 12 years old and on the computer playing video games. He remembered his Dad announcing to the family he was going to buy a town. Kyle was confused and asked him to explain. Albert reiterated it’s a town called Amboy and I’m going to buy it. Kyle still could not fathom his Dad’s decision and asked why. Albert grinned, looked him straight in the eye and asked, “Who do you know that owns a town?” Suddenly the concept seemed cool.
Kyle pitched in fixing up Amboy but was clearly out of his league. He alerted his Dad about Amboy’s dismal water situation, failing pumps, power outages, regulations, certifications, complete employee turnovers, crime, electrical blow-outs in 120F weather, and the list was growing. It was hard work with little reward. One day Kyle asked Albert if they should consider turning all their attention back to Juan Pollo. Perhaps they were too deep over their heads. Kyle said he will never forget Albert’s response. “Never sell this town. You will never get another opportunity like this.” As usual, Albert was right.
John has teenage memories of Amboy dating back to the 1970s.
One of the things that Albert understood best was having a vision for future opportunities and jumping on it. Albert believed if you waited you would regret it later because you let the opportunity pass by. Regret had no place in the Okura family. Albert figured it was better to take a leap of faith and figure it out later. Although it sometimes proved challenging for his family, Kyle respected Albert for having courage, taking risks and seeing things through. According to Albert, oftentimes the smartest man in the room is the one who has the most courage.
In 2022, Kyle and his Dad appeared in a documentary called Mysteries of the Abandoned on the Discovery Channel. As Albert and him were driving to Amboy to film, Kyle suggested Albert should talk about Amboy’s past, and Kyle would talk about Amboy’s future. During the interviews, the producers explained it was a short segment. Weeks went by. When the episode finally came on, Kyle was excited and awakened Albert. In Kyle’s mind, it was going to be a watch party with friends and family cheering Kyle on. Much to Kyle’s chargrin, he learned his brush with Hollywood had ended up on the cutting room floor. Albert had come up with amazing sound bites, such as Amboy being his destiny. Before returning to bed, Albert remarked the episode was “pretty good.”
Amboy town manager, Kenneth Large, the man, the myth, the legend.
Coming from the restaurant business, Kyle admitted he knew nothing about running a gas station or plumbing and electrical in Amboy, but he persevered and learned everything on the go. Kyle said it was rough going at the beginning. All the employees quit on the same day. His best friend, Logan, and he worked together covering in Amboy. That night they slept on two old couches pushed together in a bitterly cold warehouse without insulation. They used two 4-XXXX size Amboy sweatshirts for covers to stay warm. Although it seemed there was an infinite amount of problems in Amboy, it was one of Kyle’s craziest adventures.
One day Kyle was driving with his Mom to Amboy as he explained the endless challenges Amboy was presenting. His Mom listened patiently then simply said, “If your Dad was young, he would have figured it out.” Kyle realized he had internalized this idea from years of lectures from his Dad and it was true. Thereafter, any time a problem needed solving Kyle reminded himself his Dad would’ve figured it out. By 2019, most of Amboy’s problems were fixed, patched up, or replaced, and the real fun began. Amboy made a reputation for itself as a prime locale for photo shoots, movies, commercials and music videos.
The historical monument and the murals remained covered until the grand unveiling at the conclusion of the dedication ceremony, led by Kyle Okura. We have no doubt Albert is grinning from above.
Albert’s older brother, Robert, passed away in high school. Albert assumed the role as eldest son and always took care of his parents, even in their later years. Albert took his Dad, Tsuyoshi “Tee” Okura, to work with him every day despite how difficult that may have been. One day Albert was giving a speech at his restaurant to the San Bernardino Historical Association and he gave an acknowledgment to his elderly father. Albert explained his father was in his nineties and still coming to work every day, so they would never hear Albert complaining. The older Okura loved to go to work with his son, and warmed tortillas or peeled potatoes. As the third generation oldest son, it occurred to Kyle it was going to be him in front of an audience someday in the future giving a shout-out to his still-working Dad. Albert’s Dad died one day short of his 100th birthday. Albert took care of him to the very end. Albert had always said he would live to be a 120 years old himself, but over time Albert changed it to 110 years, then finally 100 years.
Albert Okura, 2017.
Kyle said his father’s passing at age 71 on January 27, 2023, was a complete shock. Kyle recalled he drove Albert to the hospital without realizing how sick his Dad was. Although very weak, Albert was still calling his managers and discussing business with them, even down to the tortilla orders. Albert never wanted to spend a minute where he didn’t feel he was some kind of use. Albert didn’t even realize how gravely ill he was, so the family never got a chance to say their final goodbyes. Kyle wasn’t able to tell his father how he had changed their lives for the positive, or how deeply loved he was. Kyle said they received a call from the hospital at 4 a.m. telling them Albert was in the ICU. He had serious health conditions but died of sepsis.
Upon news of Albert’s sudden passing, the devastated crew at Juan Pollo, the McDonald Museum and Amboy worried about what the future would hold because it is common for businesses to dissolve once the patriarch died. The Okura family reassured everyone that Albert had meant so much to them it would be a dishonor to not continue what Albert always referred to as his destiny. Kyle teared up and said his lifelong goal was to make his hero proud of him. Albert was always the first person he called when he was trying to solve issues and always got so excited to talk with him. He cherished the last six years he worked with his Dad every day because it was the most time he ever got to spend with him. Albert is buried at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier.
Kyle continued by saying if people called his Dad the Chicken King, then they can call Kyle the Pollo Prince. He said although he may not be known as the one who saved Amboy, he wants to be known as the one who brought it back to life. Kyle added the importance of Amboy is even bigger than himself or his Dad. Many of the thousands of people who pass through Amboy can account for what makes Amboy special to them. Route 66 is the Mother Road of our country. In two years, Route 66 will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary.
When Kyle was young his Dad taught him about the American Dream, something he really believed in. “America,” he said, “was the greatest country in the world. You can be anyone and come from anywhere, and you can have the freedom to choose who you want to be, and believe whatever you want to believe.” Albert said he came from nothing, and reminded Kyle about all he had. Kyle ended his heartfelt speech by saying he loves and misses his Dad and will make sure the whole world knows his father’s name and legacy. We know in our hearts Kyle’s super hero is very proud of him.
Also in attendance at the unveiling ceremony were Juan Pollo employees who had worked with Albert Okura years before Kyle was born. Kyle said his father died one year short of Juan Pollo’s 40th anniversary this year. Everyone who knew Albert understood how passionate he was about the idea of destiny. Some may refer to it as your calling in life, or your fate, but Albert always called it destiny. Even in his earlier life, Albert would say he had a destiny to fulfill but he didn’t know what it was yet. Later, he reiterated his destiny was to sell more chicken than anyone else in the world, before his heart led him to Amboy.
As Kyle’s speech concluded, he said Amboy now has an amazing team that keeps things running smoothly. He acknowledged Miss Nicole has been his longest employee at Amboy. He shared he couldn’t have done without her. Also, Wayne has been instrumental because he fixed all the stuff that Kyle didn’t know how to do. Wayne kept his plane at Amboy airport during the restoration. Kenneth Large is the town manager, and is another one of the reasons Amboy is so successful. The audience gave the humble threesome a resounding applause.
Thank you to artist John Cerney for donating the trio of roadside murals to Amboy following an article in the LA Times. Albert’s is over 14 feet tall. Our thanks too for your support to Laura Misajet, Executive Director of Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association at Goffs Schoolhouse Museum.
Above the carefully crafted historical monument is the Okura family crest.
There are three other historical markers in Amboy erected by E Clampus Vitus, located at Roy’s Cafe, Roy’s Motel and St. Raymond Catholic Church. The monument and murals are the Clampers’ fourth installment in Amboy. What are the Clampers, you may ask? The ancient and honorable order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV) is a fraternal organization dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of the American West.
Clamper Bryan Jones next to the new murals.
ECV began in 1849 in the California gold country. There are currently 80,000 active members and 57 chapters in seven states. The Billy Holomb Chapter 1069 oversees the mountains and the desert. Albert became a member of ECV after he acquired Amboy in 2005.
Thank you Clampers and Okura family!
Top Photo: Composite of Albert Okura and Kyle Okura created by John Earl.
Note: It is not by coincidence we published this article on December 3rd.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Albert!
Recommended Resources
Visit Amboy!
Juan Pollo
Okura, Albert, Albert Okura The Chicken Man with a 50 Year Plan, 2nd Ed., published by LCM Publishing, 2015. https://shop.juanpollo.com/products/chicken-man-book
Four Miles East of Bagdad https://fourmileseastofbagdad.com
