H.R. No. 1916
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Small, family-owned businesses play a vital role in
the life of a Texas community, and in 2008, Jesse's Tortilla Factory
celebrated 50 years of satisfying its loyal customers in Waco; and
WHEREAS, Founder Jesse Contreras learned the art and business
of making tortillas from his future mother-in-law, Herma Linda
Nino, at her Waco tortilleria in the early 1950s; he later married
her daughter, Esther; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Contreras opened their own business in
1958, making tortillas on a small, one-roller machine and selling
groceries; Mr. Contreras's mother, Bonifacia Contreras, helped out
in the kitchen; and
WHEREAS, On a tragic day in 1989, Mr. Contreras bravely
defended his business during a robbery attempt and was shot by the
intruder; he died a month later, but the family tradition was
carried on by his daughter, Alicia Rodriguez, who took over as
manager; and
WHEREAS, Today, Jesse's Tortilla Factory continues to thrive
thanks to the hard work and devotion of Ms. Rodriguez and other
members of her family; together they process 2,300 pounds of corn a
day into tortillas, chips, and taco shells, supplying many
restaurants in the Waco area, as well as the concession stands for
Baylor University basketball and football games; and
WHEREAS, Half a century after its founding, Jesse's Tortilla
Factory continues to contribute daily to the economy and stands as a
testament to the ideals of family, hard work, and tradition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jesse's
Tortilla Factory in Waco and extend to the family of its founder,
Jesse Contreras, sincere best wishes for continued success and
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the company as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Anderson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1916 was adopted by the House on May
14, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House