Texican Cafe Blue Corn Tortilla Soup ($6.50-$9.50) is chicken soup with extra-spicy Southwest sauce, roasted corn and organic blue corn tortilla strips. The dish is served with broth, rice and cheese on the side.[/caption]

Texican Cafe now has three locations in the Austin metro area, and owner Mourad Belkacem said he hopes to see the business continue to expand.

The first Texican Cafe opened 29 years ago in South Austin, and it was the first restaurant under the Baldirama Restaurant Group. Belkacem, CEO of Baldirama, said he had spent his “entire adult life” in the restaurant business and was ready to own his own establishment.

“I’ve seen all sides of the culinary industry,” Belkacem said. “From chef to being director of operations. I knew how restaurants worked.”

Belkacem described Texican’s style as El Paso Tex-Mex, featuring chili peppers and spices native to Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso.

Belkacem said the Cabrito dish ($17.49) is one of his favorites as well as one of Texican’s more unique options.

The dish features young goat roasted in a marinade of herbs and spices topped with grilled tomatoes, onions and bell peppers.

Texican Cafe Director of Operations Edith Salazar (center) and friends have food and drinks on the patio at Texican Cafe. Salazar said the patio is also dog-friendly.[/caption]

“There’s a big variety on the menu,” Belkacem said. “You never get bored.”

With a gluten-free menu, Texican offers something for everyone, Director of Operations Edith Salazar said.

Salazar said the dog-friendly patio has misters and fans turned on during the summer and heaters in the winter, so guests can experience the outdoors throughout the year.

In addition to a location on Manchaca Road and a South Lamar restaurant off Loop 360 north of Ben White Boulevard in Austin, Texican Cafe operates a location in Cedar Park. A semi-private space in the Lakeline location accommodates parties.

Belkacem said expanding his love of food is a priority. Baldirama also operates the American diner Cafe 1626. He said he hopes Texican continues to be a staple throughout the Austin area.

Texican Cafe 11940 Manchaca Road, Austin, 512-282-9094 • www.texicancafe.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

4141 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, 512-707-1733 • www.texicancafe.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.