Felix Tijerina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Felix Tijerina
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| 25th President of the LULAC | |
| In office 1956–1960 |
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| Preceded by | Oscar M. Laurel |
| Succeeded by | Hector Godinez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1905 General Escobedo, Nuevo León, Mexico |
| Died | 1965 |
Felix Tijerina (1905–1965) was a Mexican-American businessman, community leader, and helper in Houston, Texas. He owned restaurants and worked to improve life for others. He was also the 25th president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
His Life and Work
Felix Tijerina was born in 1905 in General Escobedo, Nuevo León, Mexico. When he was 13, he started working as a busboy. This was at the Original Mexican Restaurant in Houston. It was one of the first Tex-Mex restaurants in the city.
Felix taught himself English. He became good friends with the restaurant owner. Soon, Felix became the manager of the restaurant. It was located in what is now downtown Houston.
In 1929, Felix opened his very own restaurant. He wanted his food to taste authentic. But he also made it appeal to the tastes of many different people. His first restaurant had to close because of the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money.
Felix then worked as a beer truck driver. His wife, Janie, won some money from a horse race. This helped them open another restaurant in 1937. It was in the Neartown area of Houston. Felix opened more restaurants in other places too.
He also became important in Houston politics. He made friends with many leaders. Felix was the first Mexican American to serve on the Houston Housing Authority board. This group helps manage housing in the city.
In 1956, Felix Tijerina became the national president of LULAC. LULAC is a group that works for the rights of Hispanic Americans. He was president for four years.
One of his most famous projects was the Little School of the 400 program. This program helped children who didn't speak English. It taught them 400 basic English words before they started school. This helped them do better in their classes.
Robb Walsh, a writer, said that Felix Tijerina wanted to help Mexican Americans succeed in America. He believed Felix's restaurants helped bring different groups of people together. The food was a mix of Mexican and American tastes. It made people feel comfortable trying new things.
Felix Tijerina passed away in 1965. His wife, Janie, continued to run the restaurants. By 1971, there were six Felix's restaurants in Houston. There was also one in Beaumont. The last Felix's restaurant closed in 2008. However, some of Felix's famous recipes, like his chile con queso, are still served today.
His Legacy
Felix Tijerina left an important mark on Houston. In 1979, a school was named after him. Felix Tijerina Elementary School is a Houston Independent School District campus. It serves the Central Park community in Houston.
See also
- History of Mexican Americans in Houston
- Tex-Mex cuisine in Houston
- Molina's Cantina
- Ninfa's
- Mario Gallegos, Jr.
- Ninfa Laurenzo
- Rick Noriega
- Ben Reyes
- South Park Mexican
- Jim Goode
- Percy Creuzot
