With the goal to achieve owning a national franchise, co-owner Fabian Duque said the opening of Dukes Venezuelan Food was not only a business decision but also a way to share aspects of his culture.

“For me, this isn’t just a business; it’s a way to share who we are,” he said. "I want people to experience Venezuelan cuisine the way we experienced it at home.”

The backstory

The journey to founding Dukes could be traced back 50 years ago when Duque's family, who were Colombian immigrants in Venezuela, began selling arepas, which became very popular, he said.

Duque said food has always been part of his family’s livelihood in Venezuela, which influenced his decision to continue that tradition in the United States. He opened Duke’s Katy location in 2021 and the Houston location, at 3277 Southwest Fwy, Ste. A, in mid-2025.


What’s on the menu

Duque said creating the menu involved finding ways to represent Venezuelan cuisine, while adjusting certain elements to fit the expectations and pace of the Houston food market.

According to its website, the menu options include:
  • Arepas with 15 different meat and plantain options mixed with Gouda cheese
  • Cachapas, or traditional corn pancakes
  • PabeBowls, which are deconstructed arepas
  • Burgers including the ​​TequeBurger made with traditional cheese sticks, beef patty, bacon and sweet plantain
  • Pepitos, or street-style sandwiches
The original Papebowl, with plantains, meat, black beans and cheese are offered for $11.99. (Courtesy Dukes Venezuelan Food)
The original Papebowl, with plantains, meat, black beans and cheese are offered for $11.99. (Courtesy Dukes Venezuelan Food)
The reception

Duque said the restaurant has received support from customers of various cultural backgrounds, including Mexican, Central American and American diners. He said many visitors are trying Venezuelan dishes for the first time and have responded positively.


Additionally, the restaurant has received recognitions, including the "Best of Houston Latino 2025" by the Houston Latino Family Magazine, he said.

Moving forward

With the goal to provide authentic flavors while keeping the dishes accessible to a broad audience, Duque said that he hopes to expand the business to a national franchise in the future.