Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On September 20, 2024, the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC) celebrated the successful completion of its Downtown Assistance Program with an event at Ana Liz Taqueria, located in the heart of Mission, Texas, at 215 N. Conway Avenue. The occasion was highlighted by a $25,000 check presentation to Ana Liz Pulido, the renowned owner and head chef of Ana Liz Taqueria. Pulido, who earned the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in Texas, has played a vital role in bringing national culinary recognition to Mission. This grant was one of many issued as part of Mission EDC’s initiative to breathe new life into downtown, marking a significant achievement in the city’s ongoing efforts to foster economic development.
The Downtown Assistance Program, spearheaded by Mission EDC, aimed to stimulate growth and entrepreneurship along Conway Avenue, Mission’s historic commercial corridor. The program’s primary objective was to support small businesses in revitalizing this critical area, encouraging more foot traffic, and bolstering the local economy. Throughout the program, Mission EDC awarded $150,000 to six local businesses, including Ana Liz Taqueria, providing much-needed funds to help these enterprises expand, modernize, and attract new customers.
The program began by investing in historic establishments like the Border Theatre and concluded with the success of Ana Liz Taqueria. This full-circle effort underlined the city’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while embracing the potential of new entrepreneurial ventures. Each recipient used the financial support to make meaningful improvements to their businesses, from upgrading infrastructure to expanding services, ensuring that downtown Mission remains a vibrant commercial hub.
Ana Liz Pulido’s rise as a culinary force in Texas is a testament to the type of success Mission EDC sought to foster through its Downtown Assistance Program. Pulido, whose restaurant has become a beacon for food enthusiasts nationwide, was awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in Texas. This recognition catapulted her and her restaurant into the spotlight, drawing attention to her culinary talents and the growing food scene in Mission.
With financial assistance from Mission EDC, Ana Liz Taqueria was able to expand its operations significantly. Pulido, who started her restaurant with only four tables, has since tripled her seating capacity to accommodate the surge in demand. “The grant from Mission EDC allowed us to meet the growing demand from our customers, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come,” said Pulido during the celebration. Her story exemplifies how targeted support can enable local entrepreneurs to reach new heights and contribute to the broader success of the community.
During the event, notable city leaders and EDC representatives emphasized the program’s importance and the role of small businesses in revitalizing the local economy.
Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC, expressed his pride in the program’s success and highlighted Ana Liz Pulido’s impressive journey. “Ana Liz has built something special here in Mission, and she did it with hard work long before we stepped in to offer our support. Her business spirit is exactly what this program was designed to foster,” Garcia remarked. He further pointed to successful businesses like the Border Theatre and Little Joe’s Barbershop as examples of the program’s more significant impact, adding, “Ana Liz Taqueria’s growth is proof that when we invest in our community, the results speak for themselves.”
Garcia humorously recounted the transformation of Ana Liz Taqueria, noting that it had expanded from just a few tables to an establishment with a statewide reputation. “It’s amazing to see how this place has grown, and I think we’re all going to have to start making reservations just to get a table,” he joked, illustrating the overwhelming demand Pulido’s restaurant now faces.
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza also took to the stage to congratulate Pulido and highlight the significance of her restaurant’s success for the entire community. “Ana Liz Taqueria has put Mission on the map, and I’m not just talking about here in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Mayor Garza. She shared a personal anecdote about how her son-in-law from Austin had heard about the restaurant and insisted on visiting, demonstrating the reach and reputation that Pulido’s culinary excellence has garnered.
“The food here is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that showcases the creativity and heart of this community,” the mayor added. She praised the diversity and innovation of Pulido’s menu, which she said transcended traditional taqueria expectations. Garza also emphasized the role of small businesses in driving Mission’s economy, stating, “When we support our local businesses, we are investing in the future of Mission. Ana Liz and others like her are leading the way.”
The Downtown Assistance Program has been instrumental in revitalizing Mission’s downtown district, transforming it into a thriving area for commerce and culture. By investing in local businesses, Mission EDC has stimulated economic growth, attracting locals and visitors across the region. Celebrating Ana Liz Taqueria’s success represents more than just a single business achievement—it symbolizes the potential of Mission’s downtown area as a destination for tourism and cultural appreciation.
Businesses like Ana Liz Taqueria have driven increased foot traffic and fostered a sense of community pride. As Mayor Garza noted, the influx of new visitors signifies Mission’s growing reputation beyond the local sphere, positioning it as a rising culinary and cultural hub. Pulido’s inspiring journey from a small taqueria to an award-winning restaurant serves as a beacon for other entrepreneurs, reinforcing the power of dedication and the impact of targeted investment in small businesses.
The conclusion of Mission EDC’s Downtown Assistance Program marks a turning point in the city’s efforts to revitalize its historic downtown. The success of Ana Liz Taqueria is just one example of how this initiative has fostered economic development, encouraging growth and entrepreneurship in Mission. With strategic investments and continued collaboration between city leaders, financial organizations, and small business owners, Mission is on a path toward long-term prosperity and cultural prominence.
Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia stated, “The success stories we’ve seen here will continue to inspire our community for years to come.” The legacy of the Downtown Assistance Program will live on, as seen in the thriving businesses, like Ana Liz Taqueria, that exemplify the future of downtown Mission. The celebration of this milestone represents not only the conclusion of a successful initiative but also the beginning of a new chapter for the city and its entrepreneurial spirit.
