Zamoras’ Restaurant, McAllen & Edinburg, TX.

In the years before North McAllen, Texas was incorporated, the Zamora family was there — serving food and other items to the folks building out the surrounding area.

“Our family would sell the basics: eggs, bread, luncheon meat,” Jorge Zamora said. “People didn’t have to go downtown for their groceries. [My parents] noticed people were loving it and with a push from my grandpa, we opened the building where location #1 is, eventually adding hot food.”

The family, originally selling goods out of their home, opened that shop next door, and the location of a 1970s carport and convenience store — on 23rd Street, south of Lake Avenue — is now beloved by the McAllen community.

Among delicious breakfast tacos, enchiladas, and botanas, the latter is the most popular, with orders made at breakneck speed.

On almost any day, the lot is full at the #1 location, and fans can enjoy Zamoras’ at two additional spots in Edinburg.

Jorge still runs into people he grew up with from 30 or 40 years ago, in the days before Zamoras’ became a neighborhood favorite. “I remember we used to wait for the bus in front of your shop,” locals tell him. “We would go in there and get candy before and after school.”

As McAllen City Commissioner, Jorge’s brother, Joaquin ‘JJ” Zamora, understands well the importance of the business to his community. “The restaurant is the lifeline of our 99 employees, providing job stability and economic opportunity, but most importantly, as a means to bless others in our churches and community.

“Our restaurant exists and entirely depends on our community support through their patronage,” he said.

“People cherish us because we’re a part of their lives as well,” Jorge said. “People grow up in the area. If they move away, they tell us the first thing they do back in town is pick up a botana, or they’ll get a breakfast taco on the way out.”