Alma González

Alma González was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the development and establishment of Mexican restaurants in Houston, Texas. With more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, she has built a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Mrs. González studied Commerce in Monterrey before moving to the United States at the age of 15. From an early age, she demonstrated exceptional skills in administration and finance, which later became the foundation of her business success. After gaining valuable experience working in Houston restaurants and managing a family-owned establishment, she and her husband, Joe, purchased their first restaurant through personal savings and loans, launching a business built on hard work, discipline, and a shared vision.

A key part of Mrs. González’s success has been the support of her family, particularly her mother, whose authentic Mexican recipes helped establish the restaurants’ reputation for quality and tradition. Over the years, those family recipes, combined with the creativity of talented chefs and dedicated employees, have grown into a menu that has become a favorite among generations of customers.

Today, Mrs. González remains actively involved in the daily operations of her restaurants, overseeing food quality, customer service, and the continued success of three Houston-area locations operating under the Mamacitas and El Jardín brands. Her vision has always been to build a lasting family legacy while creating opportunities for employees and positively impacting the communities they serve.

Beyond her business achievements, Mrs. González and her companies have long been committed to giving back through charitable partnerships and community outreach. They have supported single mothers, youth, senior citizens, employees’ families, and individuals affected by natural disasters, while collaborating with organizations including the Latino Learning Center, Navidad en el Barrio, American Legion, Tejano Center, Ripley House, LULAC, local fire departments, and educational institutions.

Through four decades of leadership, Mrs. González has demonstrated that true success extends beyond business. Her dedication to preserving cultural traditions, creating opportunities for others, and strengthening the Houston community has established a legacy of service, resilience, and generosity that continues to inspire future generations.