HOUSTON – When Raul Molina, Sr. and Mary Molina founded Mexico City Restaurant (the original restaurant name) in Houston in 1941, they might never have imagined what their business would eventually become. Things were anything but easy for the pair and their family, who slept on the floor in their small apartment above the restaurant.
Ricardo Molina, one of three grandsons who now own and operate the three Molina’s Cantina locations (Bellaire, Galleria and Fulshear), reflected on how difficult a time it must have been to open a restaurant all those decades ago.
“In 1941 when they started what was going on in the world, there was a world war, the city of Houston was infinitely smaller, it was just a completely different time. I’m just so glad our grandparents did it,” Molina told Houston Life’s Derrick Shore.
For Ricardo and his brothers, following in their father’s footsteps -- and their grandparents’ footsteps -- was second nature.
“We kind of grew up doing it, going on Saturdays when we were real young, we would go to work with our dad and spend some time with him and it really just kind of grows on you, and the next thing you know it’s 50 years later and here you are -- you’re still going after it.”
Now, 83 years later, Molina’s Cantina has cemented its status in the Houston food scene as a tried and true staple. The Molina family is also frequently credited with being the ‘Pioneers of Tex Mex,’ something Ricardo says is a testament to their repeat customers.
“We’ve got 3rd, 4th generation people coming in to eat with us,” Molina said of his longtime customers.
In addition to loyal customers, Molina’s also has a loyal staff. Some employees have worked there for more than 50 years.
Watch the full interview to learn more about the Molina family, their special connection to President George H. W. and Barbara Bush, and what they have planned for this year’s 83rd anniversary.