Cynthia Oliveros
CynthiaOliveros@unt.edu
The Martinez Family: A Mexican Immigrant Success Story
Mr. Miguel Martinez was born in Hacienda del Potrero, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 1890. He migrated to Dallas, Texas in 1917 due to the Mexican Revolution. Like many other Mexican migrants at that time, Mr. Martinez wanted to survive, but beyond survival he wanted to thrive. He opened his business, El Fenix, in 1918 displaying a new cuisine within the United States market, Tex-Mex. His historical Tex-Mex chain is the oldest Tex-Mex chain within the United States that has inspired old restaurants and will continue to inspire aspiring new cuisine imprints.
Top Picture: Miguel Martinez and Faustina Martinez
Bottom Picture: The Martinez Family
Miguel and Faustina married each other in 1915 and raised eight children. The family of ten consists of four boys and four girls. Their names are Irene, Mike Jr., Hortencia, Henry, Alfred, Gilbert, Rueben David, and Tina Yvonne. The only surviving member is Alfred. He is currently 96 years old.