BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Mexciali's staff and customers are mourning the loss of a beloved manager. Leonard Lomas work for decades at Mexicali and died Saturday after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. He was first hired at Mexicali back in 1977 as a cashier and moved up the ranks over the next 40 years.

Monday 23ABC caught up with Ruben Crewz, the owner and manager at the restaurant. Crews said Lomas was a people person and everyone loved him.

"We are all sad to see someone like him not be around anymore because we've all known him for so many years. It's like losing a brother."

Crews said Lomas was one of the reasons the restaurant was so successful, He added that Lomas always made an effort to get to know customers and kept their interests and needs in mind when he served them.

But it wasn't just customers who loved Lomas. Crews said even people who delivered food and drinks to the restaurant are saddened by his death and that he will be sorely missed.

Lomas leaves behind a wife and son.