Felix Tijerina Plaque

Was Felix Tijerina born in Texas or Mexico? We’re standing here at the Felix Tijerina Plaque, and even this tribute to the man himself hints at the controversy. Some sources claim he was born in Sugar Land, Texas. Others maintain his birthplace was General Escobedo, Nuevo León, Mexico. Regardless of where he was born, Tijerina’s impact on Houston was undeniable. Arriving in 1922 as a young man, Tijerina took a job at the Original Mexican Restaurant. He learned English, climbed the ranks, and eventually opened his own restaurant in 1929. Though the Great Depression forced its closure, Tijerina persevered, even becoming a beer truck driver to make ends meet. With a stroke of luck from his wife Janie’s horse racing winnings, they reopened the restaurant. The Felix Mexican Restaurant chain became a Houston institution, known for its adaptation of Mexican food to appeal to a wider American palate. But Tijerina’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen. He was a prominent figure in Houston politics, even serving as the first Mexican American on the Houston Housing Authority board. His dedication to his community led him to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Tijerina served as the national president for four terms, expanding the organization’s reach and initiating the groundbreaking “Little Schools of the 400” program. This program, teaching English to Spanish-speaking children before they began school, became a model for Head Start programs nationwide. This plaque stands as a testament not just to a restaurateur, but to a man who, despite his own struggles, dedicated his life to uplifting his community.