On July 7, 1952,
Matt and Janie Martinez opened the doors of
Matt’s El Rancho in a small location: on E. First & San Jacinto. Today, their iconic South Lamar location seats nearly 600 and employs more than 200, as they continue to serve the same family recipes that first won them fame. The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Matt and Janie’s daughters –
Gloria Reyna,
Cecilia Muela, and
Cathy Kreitz (and daughter-in-law
Estella Martinez) – and they'll be celebrating this auspicious occasion with a live performance by the Austin-based band
El: Tule.