Meet Manuel Marcello Marini of The Original Marini’s Empanada House

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Marcello Marini.

Marcello and his wife, Pelusa Marini came to the United States in 1968 directly from the Republic of Argentina, looking for a better world and opportunities for themselves and their children. With his profession as a journalist in the Argentine Television, Marcello was also in hopes of finding a job in this field. It was not easy for both of them, being parents and still very young, they had to overcome many obstacles, the first big obstacle being the language and so it was with their five children (the youngest was born in the United States), they set out to learn the language and build their dream life. They decided to lay their roots in Houston, Texas a city they had read so much about. A city which was known for its future in the space industry and medicine. Both Marcelo and Pelusa had to work very hard towards achieving their dream of a better Life. In 1971 Marcello began the first Spanish language television talk show on public and social affairs with KHOU TV Channel 11. The name was “Hola Amigos” which translated into English meant “Hello Friends” and with the help of his wife and many people they came to know Marcello and Pelusa opened their very first restaurant of Empanadas and pastries. It was in the medical center area on Lyndon Street. Soon after they relocated the restaurant to Bissonnet Street very close to KTRK TV Channel 13 who was the first to discover the business of the empanadas which they referred to as “the new food of Houston” and “The New Adventure for the American People” or “the Sandwich of South America”.

Marcello and Pelusa’s life changed forever after that afternoon when Greg Dumas, a hispanomexicano journalist interviewed them for a segment on channel 13. Many years have passed since then (more than 45 years) and Marcello and Pelusa along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have continued to push forward working hard to provide the public of the United States with their food which continues to be one of the favorite food for the American families. “It has not been easy,” says Marcello who is considered as one of the pioneers of the Hispanic Television in the United States now retired from Telemundo Channel 48 TV NBCUNI. He along with Pelusa now dedicate all their time to the restaurant business just like that first day in 1971 (1517 Westheimer St.), Marcelo, providing his special attention in customer service, and Pelusa, baking her pastries including the famous Alfajor. After so many years of work in this area, the Marini family could be considered one of the oldest families in the restaurant business.

We became part of the new food for the American people with our empanadas and our many flavors (variety) “stuffed food paradise” (according to a Facebook fan) also united family and of course being first in many things since first day in Houston as a small business we were very different than others (unique and original) creativity and originality in every day of making our empanadas, cookies and pastries since 1971

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Original Marini’s Empanada House – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our business is a family owned business. We take pride in serving every single customer that visits us. We always tell them the first we welcome them, the second time we know them by name, the third time they become our regular and by the fourth visit they are considered family. We are known for having the best empanadas in Houston. We have creatively developed 80 plus savory flavors; 39 base dessert flavors and customers also have the option to create their own by mixing different flavors that already exists. Our extensive menu along with our sincere care for every person that walks in the door makes us stand apart from all the others.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As the founder of this business, I would love to be able to open more locations first locally and then throughout the U.S.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To be honest and original, bring good service and of course good food. Our name Marini’s is a trade mark for the future generations of Houstonians.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10001 Westminster Road, Suite 2570
• Website: theoriginalmarinis.com
• Phone: 7132662729
• Email: mmmarini@gmail.com
• Instagram: The Original Marinis Empanada House
• Facebook: The Original Marinis Empanada House
• Twitter: The Original Marinis Empanada House
• Yelp: The Original Marinis Empanada House

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