Interview with Irma and Alejandro Hernandez, Owners of Di Maria Mexican Cuisine - Atascocita

Published: Apr 24, 2024, 12:13pm

As part of our ongoing "Getting to Know Your Local Businesses" series, this week we sat down with Irma and Alejandro Hernandez, owners of Di Maria Mexican Cuisine!

Tell us a bit about your business: what does your business offer and how long have you been around?

Irma and Alejandro feel blessed beyond words to be able to share Di Maria Mexican cuisine with their favorite

Texans. Offering super fresh, always homemade from scratch Mexican cuisine from the south of Mexico is their life's work. Alejandro shares "Our first restaurant was in Iguala Gro and we brought our recipes and styles here to introduce this area to the Di Maria way."

How did you decide to get involved in this line of work? How did the business get started?
Just over four years ago, partnering with a family friend, they opened their doors to Di Maria in the Centre of Kings Lake on West Lake Houston Parkway. The community quickly embraced their delicious fresh food and warm, welcoming environment before the pandemic hit,

changing the trajectory of the food industry and their hopes and dreams.

Tell us a couple things you are proud of about your business? What are you known for? What separates you from the competition?
"Cooking from the heart to make big smiles." Alejandro humbly expresses that he is most proud of creating relationships through food that have sustained Di Maria since the beginning. As a small business owner, thepandemic threatened to crush their dreams. But the support they received and continue to receive from "our amazing customers" has been a tremendous blessing. He attributes this to the genuine relationships he and Irma form with guests, the quality of the food and the fresh flavors.

What is your favorite part of running the business?
"The people. The people who stop by for a first visit and our regulars. We love our jobs and invest in our restaurant. It is all for our customers."

What is your favorite item on the menu?
With weekend Breakfast and Brunch, or Lunch and Dinner seven days a week, there are so many great items to choose from. Alejandro loves the Chilaquiles Di Maria (beef fajita, avocado, sour cream, Mexican cheese, two eggs, red salsa). Irma can't decide between Pozole (verde, blanco o rojo, served with

green cabbage, onion, radishes, lime, avocado and tostados) and margaritas. While back in the kitchen, Chef Margarita, part of the original crew from South Mexico, is particularly fond of the Pozole too.

Any special events?
Join us for Cinco de Mayo! Happy Hour Margarita specials from 11 am-5 pm for only $2.99 and a mariachi band from 6-7 pm add to the festivities.

How have you seen your business grow and improve?
To better serve their clients, Di Maria recently added a full bar and an outdoor patio area for seasonal outdoor dining. Four years ago they had one small TV in the bar area and now offer six large TVs throughout for entertainment. The menu has also

expanded and weekend Brunch (Saturday and Sunday opening at 9 am) has been well received.

Anything else you'd like people to know about your restaurant?

"First and last is our customers" shares Alejandro and refers to hand-written thank you notes, social media shares, compliments and continued support from Di Maria patrons. "We are overwhelmed with the love this community has shown us. We feel very blessed!"

Fore more information about Di Maria Mexican Cuisine, please visit their website: https://www.DiMariaFood.com/

20669 W Lake Houston Pkwy

Humble, TX 77346

(832) 777-1585