The Tuney family took the dishes they created in their home kitchen and combined them with their experience in the food service industry as well as their passion for serving others. They opened Wicho’s House Restaurant in 2018 in North Richland Hills. Business slowed just before the COVID-19 pandemic, so the family decided to move to a new location.
“We’ve lived in the Grapevine area for about 15 years,” said Kimberly, the oldest sibling, who has worked as a server and bartender at other restaurants. “We noticed a gap in the area food industry, and we have trouble finding options with a big menu so everyone in our family can find something they like.”
The family decided it made the most sense to bring their home cooking to their hometown of Grapevine in 2021. They describe their food as “Tex-Mex and more” because the menu is rooted in traditional Latin dishes and includes American dishes.
“We are known for our chilaquiles, enchiladas and beef fajitas for Mexican or Latin plates,” Kimberly said. “And then we have the American plates: Cajun pasta, Texas burger, fish tacos. Everything that is derived from the American side is from my dad’s restaurant experience, and everything on the Latin side is from my mom. That’s why we call the place Tex-Mex and more.”
The four siblings, the youngest of whom is 14 years old, work the front of the house, waiting tables and managing the restaurant, while their parents and Pedraza prepare the dishes in the kitchen. The Tuney siblings named the restaurant Wicho’s House, because in Latin America “Wicho” is a nickname for Luis, which is part of their father’s name, Kimberly said.
“When I was a child, my mom taught us that it’s not a customer in business,” said Jose Luis, who has over 30 years experience in corporate kitchens. “It is a guest. Everyone that comes to Wicho’s House is a guest, and I showed my kids that, too.”
The family brands the restaurant as “your second home” on its Facebook page. The restaurant is a scratch kitchen, meaning the dishes are prepared one at a time from fresh ingredients, according to Ana, the matriarch of the family.
“Our scratch kitchen is a fusion of food from Central America and everywhere,” Ana said. “Our food is for the neighborhood.”
Wicho's House Restaurant, 2100 W. Northwest Highway, Ste. 2307, Grapevine. 682-271-4131. www.facebook.com/wichoshouse Hours: Tue.-Thu. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-8 p.m.; Mon. closed
