Molina's Cantina

Molina's Cantina is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain in Houston, Texas. As of 2022, Molina's is the oldest still-operating Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston.

Molina's is known for its family restaurant atmosphere and the employees who work in Molina's for many years at a time. As of 1992, one cashier had worked at Molina's for 20 years. One waiter had been working there for 45 years. One chef had recently retired after 50 years.[1] In 2011, Molina's has had employees who had worked at the restaurant for over 20 years.[2] The chain is also known for its famous customers, including George H. W. Bush, former President of the United States, and George Strake, former chairperson of the Republican Party of Texas.[1]

the restaurant had two locations, with one on Bellaire Boulevard and one on Westheimer Road.[3] the owners are third-generation; Raul III, Ricardo, and Roberto; the grandsons of the founder.[4]

History

Molina's first opened in 1941,[2] making it, as of 2022, the oldest continually operating Tex-Mex restaurant in the city.[5] It was established by Raul Molina, Sr., a native of Laredo, Texas. From his arrival in Houston in the late 1920s, Raul Molina, Sr. had worked as a busboy, dishwasher, and counter staff,[6] working at the Old Monterrey Restaurant.[5] Later he and his wife Mary had saved enough funds to open a restaurant.[6] The family of Mary, née Sarabia, had established the newspaper La Gaceta Mexicana.[4]

The first location, named Old Monterrey, was located at 1919 West Gray.[6]

See also

• List of Tex-Mex restaurants
• Tex-Mex cuisine in Houston
• Ninfa's
• Ninfa Laurenzo
• Felix Tijerina

External links

• Molina's Cantina