[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 112 (Thursday, June 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TACO PALENQUE

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2017

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th 
Anniversary of Taco Palenque.
  Taco Palenque opened on July 1st, 1987, with the purpose of serving 
delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. Over its thirty years of 
existence, it has served some of the best food in all of South Texas. 
Founded by Mr. Juan Francisco ``Pancho''' Ochoa in Laredo, TX, Taco 
Palenque has seen much success. With over 1,500 employees and 21 
locations across Texas, including in San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen, and 
Mission, Taco Palenque has shown to be a top-quality restaurant chain.
  Offering everything from traditional tacos to homemade menudo, Taco 
Palenque never fails to provide excellent cuisine to Texans. The hard 
work and effort that is shown through Taco Palenque's cuisine speaks to 
the dedication of Mr. Ochoa, who always made sure to never serve any 
food that he does not personally like. This mindset has brought him 
many honors including The Chamber of Commerce's Laredo Businessman of 
the Year award. He has also been honored by the Texas legislature for 
his work and contributions to the restaurant industry.
  His restaurants have also been recognized for their outstanding 
customer service which came through Mr. Ochoa's dedication to customer 
satisfaction. For Mr. Ochoa, no task is too small to preserve the 
famous taste of his restaurants. Regardless of the cost, customer 
satisfaction takes priority. This is one of the many reasons for Taco 
Palenque's ongoing success.
  Taco Palenque is not just a thriving business but a family owned 
operation. From the outset, this organization would not have been 
possible without the help and expertise of Pancho's family members. Mr. 
Ochoa's wife, Flerida, was instrumental in helping to create some of 
Taco Palenque's most famous recipes. She worked tirelessly with Mr. 
Ochoa to perfect everything that is served. As the business expanded, 
his children took on several important roles in the business, including 
General Director of the company and manager of several different 
restaurants.
  I would also like to note that Taco Palenque has supporters here in 
our nation's Capital. Over the last several years, my office has hosted 
``Laredo Day'', a widely attended and bi-partisan reception that 
features the culture and cuisine of Laredo, TX. At this event we serve 
Taco Palenque which is often noted by our guests to be some of the best 
food that they have ever had. These guests include members of Congress, 
ambassadors, and cabinet officials. The food is so popular my office 
oftentimes has to limit the number of guests to the reception.
  Taco Palenque does not limit itself to merely serving good food. 
Throughout Taco Palenque's existence, the restaurant has partnered with 
advocates and organizations that promote the well-being of the local 
community. As a sponsor of multiple youth sports teams and 
organizations, such as Mercy Ministries of Laredo, the Boys and Girls 
Club of Laredo, and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 
community is clearly important to this establishment.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the 
accomplishments of Taco Palenque, my dear friend Pancho Ochoa, and all 
his staff.

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