July 17, 2025
New Leadership at La Casa del Zorro
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La Casa del Zorro has named Borrego Springs local Tony Cecena as its new General Manager.
A familiar face in the local hospitality industry, Tony brings more than two decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the community he’s always called home.
Cecena began his hospitality journey as a high school student working in guest services at La Casa del Zorro. Now, after 22 years at Borrego Springs Resort—rising through the ranks and managing multiple departments—he’s come full circle, returning to where it all started.
In his own words, here’s what Tony shared about his background, vision, and commitment to Borrego Springs:
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to a career in hospitality?
I am a lifelong Borrego Native. So as a lot of us do, I started in guest services here at La Casa through high school (2000–2001). I moved to Borrego Springs Resort where I worked for 22 years. I had the opportunity to work my way up and offered a management apprenticeship program for a couple years. But most of my experience was hands-on—from working in Hotel/Food operations, I.T./Hotel Systems work, accounting, and sales. I've managed multiple departments and worked for multiple management companies here in Borrego over the years.
What attracted you to La Casa del Zorro and Borrego Springs?
I am a lifetime Borregan. Returning to La Casa was just coming back full circle from where I started.
What are you focused on right now at La Casa?
We are currently focused on remodeling our casitas. We remodeled one of our casitas last summer to get a feel and plan to have 10 additional casitas done before peak season.
Are there any updates or changes underway that guests might notice?
Along with the remodels we are in the planning stages of offering a different type of accommodation which will be something new and fresh for the property and Borrego.
How do you balance honoring the resort’s legacy with keeping things fresh?
A majority of our business is repeat business, generations of customers. We are fortunate to still have original members of La Casa who make sure we provide the service we have been known for. People still remember Jazz weekends, fireworks shows and La Casa icons like Liz Carr at the restaurant and Ruben Bernal in Guest Services. When guests can reminisce with us while bringing the younger generations, they love that. Our property might have changed a bit but we make sure the soul is still here.
How important is local engagement to the resort’s success?
It is very important. We don’t just depend on outside business and online strategies. It’s the offerings to our locals, especially in the off-season. It’s the word of mouth from someone they run into at the Center Market, even from our competitors. Our guests may want variety and that creates an opportunity to promote our local businesses and a better experience for our guests.
What do you personally enjoy most about working at La Casa del Zorro?
The sense of pride everyone takes to be the best and hold the La Casa name high.
Anything else you’d like the community to know about you or what’s ahead for the resort?
Jack McGrory and Casey Brown (ownership) are committed to continuing the La Casa legacy and a new chapter in years to come with the property as well as the community. La Casa is in it for the long haul.
I'd like to thank Ownership and JC Resorts for the opportunity. It's an honor.
Honoring Tradition, Building the Future at La Casa
Cecena has expressed interest in helping local youth explore careers in hospitality—just as he once did. With experience in nearly every role, he understands the value of learning on the job. Together with La Casa’s ownership, he remains committed to honoring the resort’s long-standing connection to the community while creating space for future growth.
Congratulations, Tony— we can’t wait to see what’s next for La Casa under your leadership.
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