Pampa’s newest locally-owned restaurant, La Casa Tex-Mex, located at 725 W. Brown, is a delightful and delicious combination of authentic Mexican cuisine and old-fashioned, southern favorites.
The brand new establishment is owned by mother-son duo, Lorena Herandez and Carlos Campa, and their expertise in the restaurant business, as well as in the comfort of their own kitchen, has provided them the tools and motivation necessary to turn a dream into reality.
“My mom always talked about having her own restaurant because she’s always been in the food business,” Carlos said. “She dreamed of having her own restaurant and being her own boss,” he smiled.
Lorena worked for several years as a main chef at The Plaza, but her love for cooking started long before then. She passed on that love to her son, and once he graduated from high school and entered the hustle and bustle of the work force, it was through that culinary knowledge he was able to sustain himself while being far from home.
Carlos is one of Pampa’s youngest entrepreneurs-at just 19 years old, he is a certified wind technician, and through hard work and maintaining disciplined money-saving goals, he helped his mom’s dream come true and provided the funding to start up the restaurant.
As with any new business, location is usually one of the biggest decisions to be made, and when Carlos was presented an opportunity to share a building with an existing locally-owned restaurant, he jumped on it.
La Casa Tex-Mex shares the same building as Paleteria Oasis, a Mexican dessert and ice cream parlor. This perfect combination of sweet and savory has created a powerhouse of flavors that can be experienced in one building.
The location also serves as a point of setimentality for Carlos and his mom, and it’s through their restaurant that they hope people will see the potential that all of Pampa carries, not limited to just specific areas.
“There’s not much on this side of town, and I want to help bring people down here, and show them that Pampa isn’t just on that side. I’ve always lived on this side, and I’ve always wanted to see something bigger and for more people to come through here. I love Pampa and the whole town is great.”
La Casa’s menu is diverse-from a hearty breakfast section that is served all day, burgers and chicken fried steaks, to quesadillas, fajitas, and enchilada plates, plus a full kid’s menu and much more. Lorena is a master in the kitchen, so keep an eye out for chef specials to see what she’s created for the day.
“Our food is traditional, but it also has a little twist to it-a Texas twist. Not everything is hot and spicy, there’s something for everybody. We also take special requests, so if you’re craving something and we’ve got it, we’ll make it.”
So be sure to stop by La Casa Tex-Mex at 725 W. Brown Tuesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 8 PM, and enjoy a belt-busting breakfast or a mouthwatering plate of enchiladas in a warm and inviting environment where you’ll be greeted with a smile. To see their full menu, visit their Facebook page and call in your order at 806-440-9400.
