Santos and Virginia Benitez met while working in restaurants in Houston, Texas in 1980 and married at the Harris County Courthouse in 1981. Santos worked in several Houston restaurants over his career, starting at Los Tios Mexican Restaurant on Beechnut, and Marco’s, and Two Pesos in Bellaire and Hillcroft. Mom Virginia also worked at Two Pesos and El Patio on Westheimer in the 80s. In 1990 Santos was asked to open the Two Pesos in College Station. That move was the catalyst for the Benitez couple to finally open their own restaurant, the first Mariachis Mexican Restaurant, in Somerville, TX in 1994.
Shortly after, in 1995, they opened the second location in Brenham, TX. Their goal was to create a local family restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and delicious Tex-Mex food.
24 years later, Mariachis is still that local family hot spot. One of the regulars even said “It feels like Cheers in here. Everybody knows you here -customers and employees alike!”
Today, the restaurant is still operated by Virginia Benitez and her sons. Mom usually pops in over the lunch hour and visits with the locals while they sip on classic and original flavored margarita drinks; Carlos is usually seen during the evening shift; Javier can be found on the floor, in the kitchen, or just about anywhere something needs to be taken care of; and Gio helps out with the flourishing catering side of the company.
“We are thankful to everyone for the many years of support and invite new customers to join our Mariachis Family,” says Carlos. “If you haven’t been by lately, come in and savor our delicious tender fajitas and our hand-mixed top shelf Margaritas!”
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