82S10927 JGH-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 144
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Celebrated restaurateur Juan Francisco Ochoa has
been named the 2011 BusinessPerson of the Year by the Laredo Chamber
of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, The founder of El Pollo Loco, "Pancho" Ochoa started
that business in 1975 as a roadside chicken stand in Guasave,
Mexico, and in just four years developed it into a thriving chain
with 85 restaurants in 20 cities in Northern Mexico; in 1980, he
introduced Americans to El Pollo Loco with a Los Angeles location,
and two years later, he expanded to 17 more locations across the
United States; the successful franchise was sold to Denny's in
1983; and
WHEREAS, This accomplished entrepreneur soon made plans for
another restaurant venture, and in 1987, he opened Taco Palenque in
Laredo; the fast-food Mexican eatery has since been replicated 14
times over with five locations in Laredo and others in San Antonio,
McAllen, Brownsville, Cotulla, Mission, and Houston; most
recently, Mr. Ochoa opened the Palenque Grill, a full-service
Mexican restaurant, with locations in Laredo and McAllen; from the
beginning, Mr. Ochoa has been supported by his wife, Flerida, and
today the couple's 6 children and 15 grandchildren all take an
active role in the family business; and
WHEREAS, A gifted and hardworking chef and businessman,
Pancho Ochoa has delighted countless diners, while creating jobs
and opportunities throughout South Texas, and he is truly deserving
of this special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Juan
Francisco "Pancho" Ochoa on being named the 2011 BusinessPerson of
the Year by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and extend to him sincere
best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ochoa as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.