Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Herrera.
Hi Alberto, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, the restaurant industry has been a constant thread in our family’s life. However, my own path took a different route initially. For 20 years, I dedicated myself to the construction industry, building a framing and home-building business from the ground up.
Even though my daily life was filled with blueprints and job sites, the dream of one day opening a restaurant never truly left the back of my mind. I always had the idea, but I was waiting for the right moment.
That moment came when someone approached me with a simple question: “Should we open up a restaurant?”
Instinct kicked in. I knew right then and there that this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
The name and concept for Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine didn’t come from a corporate boardroom; it came from a lively, heartfelt family discussion. While I might not have traditionally considered myself an “entrepreneur,” I quickly realized that my two decades in framing and home building had prepared me for any challenge that came my way. Building a house requires a strong foundation, patience, problem-solving, and a lot of hard work—skills that translate perfectly into building a successful restaurant.
Today, Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine stands as a testament to that foundation. I am incredibly fortunate to have the ability to constantly learn from my family and friends, taking their wisdom and applying it directly to our business. We didn’t just build a restaurant; we built a place for community, culture, and incredible food, and we are just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, because nothing in life is a smooth road.
It was incredibly difficult at the beginning. We are located in a small town, and small-town communities are fiercely loyal to the businesses that have been there for years. In reality, who likes change? When you’re the new kid on the block, you have to earn every single bit of trust.
However, we have been incredibly blessed. Once our town gave us a chance, they embraced us completely and have supported us like no other. That is exactly what makes this journey so special, the overwhelming warmth and support you get from a tight-knit community when they finally welcome you in.
Another major struggle has been navigating the post-COVID era. Between the massive increase in food costs and inflation, the margins are tighter than ever. Coming from construction, I also had to completely relearn the financials. Running a framing business is one thing, but mastering the unique, fast-moving cash flow and food cost percentages of the restaurant world was a steep learning curve. Every day is a lesson in balance, but it’s a challenge we are proud to take on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine, we specialize in authentic, vibrant Mexican flavors served with genuine hospitality. We are known for bringing fresh, high-quality ingredients to the table every single day. While we feature a full menu of traditional favorites, we are especially famous for our top-selling Avocado Enchiladas, a unique, flavorful dish that our guests absolutely love. From our sizzling fajitas to our signature hand-crafted margaritas, we focus on recipes that taste like home. We don’t cut corners; our food is made with passion, care, and a deep respect for tradition.
What truly sets us apart is our team. Our employees are some of the most hard-working people you will ever meet, and without them, none of this would be possible. They don’t just take orders; they truly care about our customers’ experience. Because they pour their hearts into their work every day, they have built deep, meaningful relationships with our local customers. We aren’t a corporate chain executing a script; we are a family-owned business running on hard work, deep community roots, and a team that treats every guest like an old friend.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of our reputation for resilience and our relationship with the community. Breaking into a small, fiercely loyal town as a new business is incredibly tough, and I am proud that the “Mama Mia” brand has become synonymous with local trust. We didn’t just survive the post-COVID economy and massive inflation spikes; we adapted, leaned on the wisdom of friends and family, and grew stronger alongside our incredible staff. When people see our logo or walk through our doors, I want them to see a brand built on perseverance, family values, and a deep love for our town.
We want readers to know that when you dine at Mama Mia, you are supporting a family dream and a dedicated local team. We offer comfortable dine-in options, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu crafted to please the whole family.
Plus, we are proud to offer a free electric vehicle (EV) charger right at our restaurant! If you are traveling in from out of town or taking a day trip to see the dinosaurs, you can plug in, relax, and enjoy a plate of our famous Avocado Enchiladas while your vehicle charges up. More than anything, we want you to know that you are always treated like family here. Come for the incredible food, stay for the community atmosphere, and let us take care of you.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The absolute best thing about Glen Rose is the unparalleled network of support. It starts with our incredible Chamber of Commerce, which goes above and beyond to advocate for small businesses, and it extends directly to the residents who live here. On top of our amazing locals, we are a major tourist destination thanks to incredible attractions like Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Dinosaur Valley State Park. We absolutely love the vibrant energy the tourists bring into town and the opportunity it gives us to share our food with families traveling from all over. Between our fiercely loyal community and the constant stream of visitors, we truly have the best of both worlds.
If I had to pick what I like least, it is strictly a structural issue. The limited parking and tight roads around our historic small town. Because Glen Rose is so full of charm and popularity, things can get pretty congested during peak weekend hours. It can occasionally be a bit of a logistical headache for both our staff and our guests just trying to navigate the physical layout of the town when it gets busy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamamiamexicancuisine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamamiamexicancuisine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mamamiamexicancuisine
