A new wave of Basque immigration into the area began shortly after California was annexed by the United States. Many originally followed the calls of the “Gold Rush” and shortly after transferred to other, more successful ventures such as the sheep industry and other endeavors. As the sheep industry increased along with Basque immigration, the need for boardinghouses also grew.
As years passed and fewer Basques looked to sheep and life within boardinghouses, the need to congregate and continue the culture remained. Basque restaurants became the more prevalent meeting places and an unconscious way to preserve the Basque culture for the next generation.