Local tortilleria continues to serve the community after 17 years

Updated: August 13, 2020

***Owner Marisa Govea shows two of the products that are sold at Hernandez Tortilleria.*** Photos: Tony Vindell / LFN

By TONY VINDELL
LFN

LOS FRESNOS – A local business that started making and selling tortillas is still alive and kicking 17 years later.

Welcome to Hernandez Tortilleria.

In addition to tortillas, the family-owned and –run enterprise offers a wider variety of Mexican-styled food like menudo, barbacoa de cabeza as well as snacks and other items sought after by a segment of the population.

Owner Marisa Govea said that when she opened the tortilleria back in 2003, she did so with four people working. Today, she added, they have about 15 on the payroll.

Govea said business has been good, noting they now have a faithful clientele.

Although tortillas have been the business’ bread and butter since day one, Govea said it kept adding the other food products some time back. The menudo and barbacoa are only sold on weekends.

Such items are a staple for many Hispanics living on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border as for many it’s a custom to consume such food on Sunday mornings.

Several people interviewed outside the business, which is located at 201 W. 3rd St., said they like the menudo while others prefer the barbacoa.

Govea said the tortilleria is and has always been a drive-thru type of operation. However, she said two of her sons have similar businesses in Olmito and San Benito where people can enjoy a full Mexican meal inside the premises.

“We have been working hard to have this business,” she said. “We never close. In fact, we stay open 365 days a year.”