Olmy said when people ask them why they opened their business inside a gas station, she answers, “We had no other choice. In Houston we invested every little penny.”
Ismael said he saw an online post advertising the grill vacancy, so he investigated the potential. When he saw no other options like the authentic Mexican food concept they were planning in the area, it sealed the deal.
The couple said when gas station customers smell their food they are intrigued, then they see the food being prepared fresh and order something. After tasting the fare, many become repeat customers.
Ismael has been in the restaurant industry for 10 years, and he created the recipes and menu.
“He makes everything from scratch,” Olmy said. “The chorizo, our chips, the corn tortillas—even if someone orders one taco, he’s making the tortilla from scratch.”
Breakfast options include burritos, tacos and tortas, which are a type of Latin sandwich. Beyond breakfast, quesadillas are available.
Reading the menu, customers might be surprised to find taco ingredients, such as achiote sauce, pickled red onions, pan-seared fresh tilapia, mangos and more, served at a gas station eatery.
Despite the previous restaurant’s struggles, Ismael said he wanted to give this effort his all.
“I chose this location because I didn’t have any options,” Ismael said. “I told my wife we’ll make it here; I’ll do the best I can.”
The couple chose to decorate with Mexican wrestling masks. The masks spotlight their Mexican culture, and it represents their persistence, Olmy said.
“You have to wrestle for your dreams,” Olmy said.
In 2020 the Sanchezes opened another location in Dallas. They said they plan to open another restaurant in McKinney within a year.
Del Sur Grill
4951 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney (inside Shell gas station)
214-842-4009
www.delsurtacos.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. closed
