HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) – The Las Vegas Cafe has been filled with loyal customers since it opened in 1964. Lorie Davila and her sister Julie Charles currently own and operate the restaurant. But it wasn’t always like that.
“My mother started it in 1964, took out a small $ 350 loan, bought her own pots and pans, and started the business. said Davila. “And she was a good cook, the same recipes and then my father came a few years later.”
Since the sisters took over the café from their parents, both Lorie and Julie help to ensure that they help where they are needed. From hosting to serving and even in the kitchen. But the best part about running this family business is that its customers get over the years.
Harlingen Sounds: Big Red Cardinal Band with an impressive competition series
“We’ve seen customers come from generation to generation, so we built a relationship that became one big family,” said Charles.
Customers come from all over the valley, rain or shine, just to eat at the Las Vegas Cafe.
Liz Cortez has been a regular for 15 years. Since Cortez has been coming to the restaurant to eat almost every day, it has felt like she has spent part of her life here.
“I’ve had a lot of family moments with you, with Lorie,” said Cortez. “I told you when my daughter graduated and later married my daughter and now I have a son-in-law who is coming too and now I’m going to be a grandma.”
Faces of the RGV: capital of the valley
And with over 50 years in the service of the Harlingen community, the Las Vegas Cafe hopes to be there for future generations and is simply grateful for all the support.
“Without your support, we wouldn’t be where we are. We owe a lot to the community, ”said Charles.
