When husband-and-wife duo Andrea Villescaz and Martin Hernandez opened Longhorn Daiquiris in Kyle in April 2016, they said they knew they were going to need help.


They looked to their nine children for assistance getting the business off the ground, and more than a year after opening, they feel the community embracing their business, which sells burgers, chicken wings and other food as well as daiquiris to go, they said.


“People will walk in and say, ‘This is the best-kept secret in Kyle,’” Villescaz said. “I kind of laugh, but I wish we weren’t such a secret.”


Villescaz and Hernandez said the ongoing construction on Goforth Road east of Bebee Road—part of a nearly two-year project to repair a flood-control dam—has made it difficult for some residents to find their establishment. With the road set to reopen when construction on the dam project ends by late summer or early fall, Hernandez and Villescaz said they hope their restaurant will soon be accessible to more Kyle residents.


Longhorn Daiquiris specializes in the frozen alcoholic beverages, which can be purchased to go. The drinks—which are typically about 17 percent alcohol by volume—are placed in a sealed container when they are purchased to go. More than 60 flavor combinations are available using tequila, vodka and rum, Villescaz said. Daiquiris are available in 12- and 20- and 32-ounce containers as well as half-gallon jugs. 


Hernandez and Villescaz let their children participate in nearly every aspect of the business. One son helped complete construction of the business’s building. Another son helped design the Nico Burger, which has become one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.


It was the children who recommended the restaurant’s menu prominently feature chicken wings. The menu at Longhorn Daiquiris features 13 kinds of chicken wings, including spicy lemon pepper, barbecue and garlic.


The duo said they are trying to instill a can-do attitude in their kids.


“We’re teaching them to work hard for what they want but still put school first. I have a saying with them, ‘Don’t just hustle. Hustle hard,’” Villescaz said. “I know in the future they’ll be successful.”




Combo Plate The burger and wings combo plate features five wings and a cheeseburger for $9.[/caption]

The restaurant has also brought the family closer together. Hernandez formerly worked in oil fields, an occupation that kept him away from the family for long periods. Since turning the focus of his career to the restaurant, he said, he has been able to provide more guidance for his children, who are between the ages of 3 and 23.


“We’re big on family, and there is enough work here for everybody,” Hernandez said.