The Laurenzo Story
In 1973, Ninfa Laurenzo, the president and owner of the family business, Rio Grande Food Products, called her family together to discuss the future of the business. The outcome of that meeting was a momentous yet daring decision to sell the tortilla business and embrace their dream of opening a truly different kind of Mexican Restaurant. Inspired by her childhood creativity and frequent travels to Mexico, Ninfa boldly made her mark on the industry by being the first to introduce the concept of grilled fajitas wrapped in handmade flour tortillas to a full-service restaurant format. She called them Tacos al Carbon, now more commonly referred to simply as Fajitas, and copied throughout the U.S. She became known to Houstonians as Mama Ninfa and her unique style became known as the new Tex-Mex. Over time, it has become a nationwide phenomenon.Fast forward 25 years later, Roland, Mama’s oldest son, and his son Domenic, elevated the traditional Tex-Mex menu to a more upscale level of food, beverage, service, and atmosphere. They opened the first El Tiempo Cantina (“ETC”) in April of 1998 in Houston’s Greenway Plaza area. Its initial success led to the development of 8 additional El Tiempo’s, a Catering Service, one El Tiempo Taqueria, and a Laurenzo’s Restaurant, a casual dining bistro combining the best of both the Italian and Mexican sides of the family.
The building size ranges from 4,500 to 7,500 square feet depending on the location, market density and other factors. Servers are dressed in semi-formal Mexican “uniforms” and of course, the margaritas are renowned for their distinctive flavor profile. “Burros” or hand-carved long flat narrow stand-up wooden bar tables allow those waiting (many!) to enjoy a beverage, appetizer, and chat.
All of these enhancements and many more combine to create a fiesta atmosphere. It’s infectious and attractive to those who want a vivacious dining experience. All this combined with very large portions gives customers a first-class restaurant experience at an affordable price. In fact, nearly half of the guests take food home.
Today, the family continues to honor Mama Ninfa’s traditions in the El Tiempo Cantina restaurants now located throughout Houston and continuing to grow. El Tiempo serves superior quality Tex Mex cuisine and the best margaritas in Houston! Every day, we welcome each of our guests as part of the Laurenzo family, providing the same impeccable customer service and wonderful dining experience that Mama Ninfa instilled in us 50 years ago.
In the food and beverage area, major enhancements include taking freshly grilled meats ranging from the traditional beef, chicken, and pork fajitas and adding additional savory tastes like baby back ribs, jumbo shrimp, quail, sausage, lobster and carnitas all uniquely prepared and served on a special designed hibachi styled grill. Called the “anafre”, the grill is made in Mexico and features a proprietary special metal alloy platter which, with live mesquite embers burning underneath,
keeps the meats and caramelized onions consistently hot throughout the meal without overcooking them. ALL foods are prepared fresh from scratch including sauces, soups, gravies, dressings, flour and corn tortillas, and all desserts.
Only the best cuts of meat and the freshest vegetables, herbs, spices, and fish are used. Other enhancements include a blended atmospherics package of colonial Spanish ranch with a cozy cantina feel.
