Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alexandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Cesar Rodriguez, founder and owner, started Doneraki since 1973. He opened his first restaurant in the Magnolia Barrios (North Side on Fulton street). He was one of the first restaurants that brought “the tacos al pastor” to Houston. (made from pork cooked on a spinning top called the trompo). He opened his first restaurant with $600 by working 3 jobs and with the help of his family. His brothers, Jorge and Victor Rodriguez.
He built his first 65 chair restaurant and used his own personal refrigerator and coffee maker. Cesar Rodriguez was very involved in the Hispanic community and still continues to help. With hard work and dedication he continues to serve Houstonians and proud to be called one of the best restaurants in town.
I am Alexandra Rodriguez, his youngest daughter, I’ve been working with him for about 10 years and help him run the Gulfgate location.
At one time, we had 4 locations in total, Fulton location, Westheimer location and still remains the Gulfgate location (Victor Rodriguez his youngest brother had the 1960 Champions forest). Overcoming the great odds of restaurant failure rates, Doneraki has been and still is a local and Houston favorite.
Has it been a smooth road?
Over the years of course Doneraki went through many high and lows. Owning a restaurant is not easy it takes a lot of hard days and night and dedication and overall guts and risks. Whenever my father ,Cesar, would make a profit, he would invest his money back into the restaurants, often going without a paycheck. You keep moving forward for family and the people.
My father has always said, if you love and have the passion for what you want it is never work. And that, is were I stand. I love the restaurant business. I love making people happy with our food and atmosphere. At the end of the day, when I go home there is nothing else I’d rather do.
And, because of Houstonians supporting Doneraki for 45 years, we are still here and will be here for many more God willing
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Doneraki Authentic Mexican Restaurant story. Tell us more about the business.
We, Doneraki, is a family owned restaurant who strive to make people happy. We specialize in authentic Mexican food. We feature traditional favorites such as enchiladas, fajitas, Sunday brunch, margaritas and so much more.
Doneraki welcomes and loves large parties and we are known for celebrating many birthdays with singing with the mariachi bands, putting a mariachi hat on them and putting a tad of whip cream on their nose to have them smile from ear to ear.
First date grew to be wedding day to first year wedding anniversary and celebrating generation after generation of families for their grandchild’s birthday, first communion or just to get the family together.
Houstonians love to celebrate here at Doneraki and we enjoy to have Doneraki in their memories.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We hope to grow. Our plans are to grow. We definitely are not stopping. We plan for other locations and will make it slightly different and better. We will let Houstonians know when we get firm details. My father still has great ideas, his brain does not stop working and I’m excited to see what God has is in store for Doneraki growing again. My family and I have so many ideas so we will see.
Contact Info:
- Website: Doneraki.com
- Phone: 713-645-6400
- Email: adoneraki@hotmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
