Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
March 7, 2025 | McAllen, TX– McAllen’s vibrant food culture took center stage this morning as the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of McAllen and Visit McAllen, launched the highly anticipated McAllen Foodie Tour at Koko’s Café Uptown parking lot. The month-long event celebrates the city’s nationally recognized dining scene, inviting residents, visitors, and food enthusiasts to embark on a delicious journey through McAllen’s top restaurants.
With an impressive turnout of city officials, business leaders, and local food influencers, the event stressed the importance of McAllen’s restaurant industry to the local economy and cultural identity.
The kickoff event featured remarks from Mayor Javier Villalobos, Rebecca Olaguibel (City of McAllen, Retail and Business Development Director), and Leigh Woolridge (Vice President, Visit McAllen), who emphasized the economic and cultural significance of McAllen’s thriving restaurant industry.
“McAllen’s restaurants are the heartbeat of our city’s social scene,” said Leigh Woolridge. “Whether it’s enjoying, creating, or sharing food, our local establishments provide outstanding hospitality and help drive our economy forward. The McAllen Foodie Tour is our way of celebrating them and ensuring they get the recognition they deserve.”
Mayor Javier Villalobos highlighted the economic impact of McAllen’s restaurant industry, pointing out that it is one of the city’s largest employment drivers and a key contributor to McAllen’s $96.8 million in sales tax revenue.
“Our restaurants are more than just places to eat—they are job creators, community hubs, and tourism drivers,” said Mayor Villalobos. “This Foodie Tour is about celebrating their success and ensuring that our local businesses continue to thrive.”
Rebecca Olaguibel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of restaurants in boosting the city’s hospitality sector and public infrastructure.
“Every dollar spent in McAllen restaurants helps fund public services, infrastructure, and community amenities,” said Olaguibel. “From parks to clean streets, our hospitality industry plays a crucial role in maintaining our city’s high quality of life.”
The McAllen Foodie Tour is designed to be a fun, interactive experience that promotes local restaurants while engaging the community. Participants are encouraged to:
· Explore new restaurants and discover hidden menu items.
· Engage on social media by tagging @VisitMcAllen for a chance to win prizes, including thousands of dollars in gift cards, hotel stays, and discounts.
· Share their favorite food spots with the “No Gatekeeping” rule, ensuring that McAllen’s best dining experiences get the recognition they deserve.
“This is not just about eating; it’s about supporting local businesses and showcasing McAllen’s culinary talent to the world,” said Omar Guevara, McAllen Chamber of Commerce board member and owner of BBQ Korean Fried Chicken.
To amplify the event’s reach, the McAllen Foodie Tour has enlisted the help of local foodie influencers, including Ivana Mendoza (RGV Taste), Alfredo (Fred Stir), Myel Martinez (Fork It), and Louis & Alejandro.
“We started what we do because we love telling the stories of McAllen’s restaurants,” said Ivana Mendoza. “We’ve seen how McAllen’s food scene is gaining national recognition, and we want to continue to put our city on the map.”
Mendoza noted that food lovers from cities like Los Angeles and New York have started taking notice of McAllen’s dining scene, thanks to increased online exposure.
“We’re growing, we’re evolving, and we’re showing the world why McAllen is a must-visit food destination,” Mendoza added.
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, which has supported local businesses since 1925, is further using the Foodie Tour to strengthen the city’s economic foundation.
Through this initiative, the Chamber provides:
* Advertising and marketing support for restaurants.
* Networking opportunities to connect restaurants with business partners.
* Educational workshops on business planning, marketing, and financial management.
* Workforce development programs to enhance service quality in McAllen’s hospitality sector.
“We want to give our local restaurants the tools to succeed,” said Omar Guevara. “By promoting them through events like the McAllen Foodie Tour, we ensure they continue to grow, innovate, and contribute to McAllen’s economy.”
A Toast to McAllen’s Culinary Future
The event concluded with a champagne toast, where city officials, restaurant owners, and influencers celebrated the official launch of the McAllen Foodie Tour.
“This is only the beginning,” said Leigh Woolridge. “Throughout March, we invite everyone in McAllen and beyond to experience the best of our local dining scene, support our restaurants, and help us continue to put McAllen on the food map.”
How to Join the McAllen Foodie Tour
- Follow @VisitMcAllen on social media for daily restaurant features and secret menu items.
- Post your foodie experiences and tag @VisitMcAllen for a chance to win prizes.
- Support local restaurants by sharing your favorite dining spots with friends and family.
- Explore the McAllen food scene throughout March and discover why McAllen is a top-tier culinary destination.
With delicious food, exciting prizes, and community spirit, the McAllen Foodie Tour 2025 promises to be a game-changer for the city’s restaurant industry.
So grab your forks, cameras, and appetites—McAllen’s best-kept food secrets are waiting to be discovered!
