Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest Palenque Grill in El Paso, Texas, on August 20, 2025, José Ochoa reflected on what the brand represents.
“For me, Palenque Grill is more than a restaurant with delicious food and warm service. It represents tradition, it represents family, and above all, it represents the human connection we want to build with the community through hospitality and warmth,” he said.
José, a trained chef and the youngest of Don Pancho’s sons, credited his father as the visionary behind the group’s growth. “None of this would have been possible without the vision, leadership, and inspiration of a great man—my father and our founder, Don Pancho Ochoa.”
Juan Francisco “Don Pancho” Ochoa, founder of El Pollo Loco and later the Palenque Group restaurants, has built one of the most enduring entrepreneurial legacies in Mexican and Texan culinary history. Over five decades, Ochoa and his family expanded their vision of authentic Mexican dining into more than 50 restaurants across Texas, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening both the U.S. and Mexican economies.
Taking the microphone after his son, Don Pancho spoke about the family’s journey. “My wife sends her regards. She couldn’t be here today, but she has always been a pillar since we began this dream over 50 years ago,” he said. He recalled the early expansion of El Pollo Loco throughout Mexico, later bringing it to Los Angeles, and the creation of Palenque Grill in 2005. “Today we are opening the seventh Palenque Grill, and in a few months, we’ll open the eighth in Brownsville, Texas,” he added.
The founder emphasized gratitude to God, his family, and his team. “We started with family, and later added managers, marketing experts, and professionals who made everything possible,” he explained. Above all, he thanked the kitchen staff and front-line workers who “create the unique flavors we are known for.”
In recognition of the family’s contributions, Daniel Flores, representing Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, presented a U.S. Congressional Recognition at the El Paso ceremony. “First, congratulations to everyone who has been part of this project in our city. It is my pleasure to present this U.S. Congressional Recognition to the Ochoa family. Congratulations, and much success,” Flores said.
Faith also remains central to the Ochoa family’s journey. At the El Paso opening, Father Germán of the Diocese of El Paso offered a blessing, praying for the restaurant, its employees, and future endeavors. “Christ dignified work by being called the son of a carpenter and working with His own hands. Work is no longer a curse but a blessing,” the priest noted before sprinkling holy water.
The recognition of Don Pancho extends beyond Texas. Pablo Castro Zavala, President of Public Relations and Hispanic Affairs for the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, recalled honoring Ochoa in Nevada for his business and social contributions. “Las Vegas honored him with his own star in front of the Paris Hotel Casino. Authorities even proclaimed an official ‘Juan Francisco Pancho Ochoa Day.’ His star is right next to José José, Engelbert Humperdinck, Martín Noriega, Carmen Salinas, and others,” Castro Zavala said.
Since its founding in 2005, Palenque Grill has expanded to San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and now El Paso. The Palenque Group also includes Taco Palenque, bringing the total to more than 50 establishments across Texas. Speaking about the group’s formula for success, Don Pancho explained, “Our success lies in serving the best authentic Mexican dishes with top-quality ingredients, balanced recipes, and ensuring the best service at fair prices.”
Beyond food, the group has created thousands of jobs and supported humanitarian causes, reinforcing the Ochoa family’s reputation as both entrepreneurs and philanthropists. “Thank you infinitely, because without you, we could not have come this far,” Don Pancho said, addressing staff, guests, and community members at the opening.
The El Paso location, inside Cielo Vista Mall and less than four miles from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, represents more than just expansion. For the Ochoa family, it is the continuation of a legacy that blends cuisine, tradition, and community spirit—values rooted in family but shared across borders.
