Martinez, a single mother of four, opened her first restaurant in October 2024 after opening two bakeries and raising her children, whose successes, she said, now reflect the perseverance that fueled her journey.
Staying local
As a longtime Humble resident, Martinez said that though her dream has always been to have her own restaurant, her path led her to the baking industry while she juggled the challenges of raising four children on her own.
Through her struggles, Martinez said the Humble community was her pillar, as local nonprofit FamilyTime Crisis & Counseling Center provided her with the support she needed to provide for her family.
After working as a pastry chef for The Woodlands Country Club, Martinez said she gained the skills to open her own bakery in Humble, Yummy Tummy, in 2010 before expanding with a second location in New Caney in 2019.
“My mother was a restaurant owner, and my entire family was always in the industry,” she said.
The restaurant boasts an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere reflecting the colorful Mexican culture, with art representing Mexican icons like Frida Kahlo.
Martinez said at Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina, customers can expect authentic Mexican dishes from different regions.
Current favorites that Martinez mentioned include quesabirrias, chile nogada—made with a creamy walnut sauce and filled with ground meat—and menudo, an authentic Mexican soup that reflects her mother’s recipe.
With a focus on presentation and quality, at Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina, customers can expect an upscale experience in Humble, Martinez said.
“My goal is to create something different for my Humble community and to share Mexican culture from all states,” she said.
Looking ahead, Martinez said she plans to expand the menu with new additions that reflect Mexican culture and is open to collaborations with local organizations.
- 1005 First St. E., Humble
- Facebook: Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina
