La Familia Aguirre Fernandez

From Jalisco to Texas

Gerardo Aguirre and Ana Gloria Fernandez grew up in Jesús María, a small town about two hours east of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico. In January 1999, newly married, young, and full of dreams, they came to the United States. They settled in Texas and, in time, made New Braunfels their hometown.

The First Restaurant

Just five months after arriving, in June 1999, they opened their first location: Taqueria Guadalajara Restaurant in New Braunfels. Gerardo poured himself into the work, and Ana Gloria became known for greeting and serving every customer with warmth, grace, and attentiveness — a welcome that guests still remember.

Growing Through Faith and Hard Work

Their family grew alongside the business — their sons Edgar and Gerardo Ivan were born in 2000 and 2003. In 2006, they took a leap of faith, acquiring a local Pizza Hut and transforming it into El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant.

From 2007 to 2012 they explored new restaurant opportunities across Texas. Some succeeded and some did not — but every step taught them something, and every setback made them stronger.

Markets, Family, and Legacy

Their daughters Anagitselle and Alondra arrived in 2012 and 2014, and the family kept building. In 2013, seeing that New Braunfels needed a true source for authentic Mexican products — fresh meats, spices, and pan dulce — they opened Guadalajara Meat Market. In January 2021, they opened the doors of Hacienda Tapatio Mexican Restaurant.

Still Serving Today

More than two decades later, customers can still find Gerardo and Ana Gloria behind the counter — greeting guests and serving with the same sense of privilege they felt in 1999. Their message is simple: follow your dreams, do not allow fear to stop you, and live a life with purpose.