For decades, Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant has been more than just a dining spot in Lewisville, Texas; it’s a cherished local institution. In recent times, the unwavering support of loyal patrons lining up for curbside service has underscored its significance, helping to keep this Tex-Mex favorite thriving. Angelina’s represents a rich family heritage in the North Texas restaurant scene, a legacy that spans over 30 years and is deeply valued by the community it serves.
The restaurant’s name honors Angelina Velez, the visionary who initiated a modest eatery in The Colony back in 1986. Her dedication and culinary passion transformed that small beginning into a collection of beloved North Texas restaurants. Though Angelina Velez passed away in 2013, her spirit and hard work live on through her family, who now manage the Angelina’s locations in Lewisville and Corinth.
“We are determined to ensure that her life’s work doesn’t end with us,” explains Adriana Luna, Angelina Velez’s granddaughter. “We are committed to finding a way forward and preserving what she created.”
Adriana Luna, along with her sister Eliza Velez, is at the helm of the Lewisville Angelina’s. Like many restaurant proprietors, they and their parents have navigated the turbulent waters of the pandemic-era food service industry with resilience and adaptability.
The remarkable dedication of their regular customers has been instrumental in the restaurant’s ability to persevere without resorting to staff layoffs, Luna notes.
“I imagine people might have been tired of Mexican food at some point, but they continued to support us with curbside pickup—and it wasn’t solely about the food; it was also about our incredible staff,” Luna expressed.
Angelina’s has successfully broadened its service offerings to include family meal packs, which have proven popular, alongside their curbside and pickup services. Luna also acknowledged the positive impact of the Texas executive order that permitted restaurants to sell takeout margaritas, providing an additional boost to their revenue.
During these challenging times, Luna and her family, who are also involved in other restaurant ventures, have relied on each other for mutual support and guidance. In Lewisville, the enduring loyalty of their customer base has been a cornerstone of their resilience.
“We are fortunate to have a clientele that isn’t just here once and gone,” Luna concludes. “We serve families who have been dining with us for generations.”
