ODESSA, Texas — My Maria Mexican and American Cuisine in Odessa has blossomed from the bond between a mother and her daughter.
Lisset Tercero, the daughter and co-owner of My Maria, recounted when the business first started three years ago.
"We began as a food truck, my mom and I, it was back when COVID hit," Lisset Tercero said. "[Maria] has a passion for food, and I have a passion for her food. I thought this was a perfect business opportunity.”
Maria and Lisset Tercero combined their love for cooking and customer service to create a menu reflecting their Hispanic heritage.
"You see my mom and me everywhere in this restaurant," Lisset Tercero said. "Basically, you’re in love with our culture. We’re in love with Mexico.”
Lisset Tercero said her mom came from a small town in Mexico where everything was done from scratch and that tradition carries on.
"If you try our chilaquiles, if you try our cafe de olla, which is our top sellers, it's a signature here at My Maria." Lisset Tercero said.
Every time you walk through the front door, you’ll be greeted with a hug, a warm welcome and a plate full of love.
Lisset Tercero said when customers come in, they often say, "Oh, yeah we can taste the love." People have also described the cafecito de olla as a hug in a cup.
"I want people to have the full experience," Maria Tercero said. "Everything is made from scratch, it's challenging, but it must be done with lots of love."
Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen. Every meal is made from scratch.
For Maria Tercero, cooking will always feel like preparing a special meal for family.
“To me, it’s special to do this now, because one day I may not be here," Maria Tercero said. "I want them to remember that on their birthday, I was there.”
For this mother and daughter, the best part of owning a restaurant is the experience they create for their customers.
That's why My Maria continues to be a place of family, because when culture blooms, so does love.