Husband-and-wife team build loyal following

After moving to Hutto nearly 10 years ago, Raquel Cisneros watched construction begin on a new shopping center and visualized a restaurant in one of the buildings.

In 2005, she and her husband, Mario Maldonado, opened Rio Grande Tex-Mex Restaurant in the Hanson's Crossing shopping center along Hwy. 79. Four years later, they opened a second location in Pflugerville.

"We got requests from people in the area, when this building came up for sale [they] told us they would love to have a Rio Grande in this area," Cisneros said. "I thought [Hutto] would be a good place to open a small business."

The couple has worked in the restaurant business for more than 20 years and wanted to open their own restaurant that reflected their authentic tastes. Today Cisneros and Maldonado continue to experiment with new drinks, dishes and specials and plan to introduce a new menu in February.

"When we opened Rio Grande, we wanted to use our own recipes," Cisneros said. "Every plate on the menu sells consistently."

While the restaurant has had its ups and downs, Cisneros said business has increased in the past year. She and her husband have considered opening an additional location in the area to keep up with the demand but decided to keep their pursuits smaller in order to better manage and interact with the two existing restaurants.

"I believe if you want your business to be successful, you need to keep an eye on it," she said. "We're not a chain. I like to see my customers every day."

Thirsty?

Rio Grande offers a variety of domestic and imported beers and mixed drinks.

Domestic beer

• Miller Lite
• Michelob Ultra
• Miller Genuine Draft
• Bud Light
• O'Doul's
• Budweiser
• Coors Light
• Shiner Bock

Imported beer

• Corona
• Dos Equis amber and lager
• Tecate
• Bohemia
• Pacifico
• Modelo Especial and Negra
• Cerveza Sol
• Carta Blanca
• Heineken

Wines

• Merlot
• Cabernet sauvignon
• Chardonnay
• White zinfandel
• Sangria

Margaritas

• Rio Grande Margarita (served frozen or on the rocks)
• Top shelf margaritas (made with gold tequila, Gran Gala, orange liquer and fresh lime juice)
• Rio Grande flavors (frozen margarita mixed with sangria, strawberry, mango, peach, Midori or cactus fruit)

Other mixed drinks

• Strawberry and mango daiquiris
• Pia colada
• Mexican martini
• Premium Mex martini
• Long Island iced tea

560 Hwy. 79, Hutto, 512-759-1449

15821 Central Commerce Drive, Pflugerville, 512-252-1800

www.riogrademex.com, Hours: Mon.–Thu. 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri. 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m.