In 2023, Sergio Aguilera’s dream of opening a successful restaurant was dismantled by several business partners that he said let him down.

Despite several challenges with partners and permit requirements, the first-generation Mexican-American business owner prevailed with the help of his brother, Jose Aguilera, and opened his second restaurant, Las Pinatas Kitchen, in August 2024.

The backstory

Although Aguilera began with minimal experience in the restaurant business, he said he dedicated his soul into creating a restaurant with quality Mexican-style dishes that his community could enjoy.

Along with his brother Jose Aguilera as manager, daughters Vianey Aguilera and Ariana Aguilera and chef Alfredo Pineda, Sergio Aguilera was able to convert his restaurant into the colorful family-oriented business it is today.
Sergio Aguilera, Vianey Aguilera,Alfredo Pineda and Jose Aguilera stand together outside the family operated restaurant. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Sergio Aguilera, Vianey Aguilera, Alfredo Pineda and Jose Aguilera stand together outside the family-operated restaurant. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
As business picks up, Jose Aguilera arrives at the restaurant every day at 4 a.m. ready to prepare the restaurant's scratch-made ingredients, including its handmade corn tortillas and scratch-made salsas.


What started as a family restaurant operated by the group of five alone has become a place of business for a full staff of 10 employees, who Sergio Aguilera says he considers part of his family.

“When you contribute to your community, it's a win for everyone,” Sergio Aguilera said. “As a business owner, I have the opportunity to provide jobs for people in the community.”

Craving Mexican family-style cuisine?

Jose Aguilera said at Las Pinatas Kitchen, the Aguileras pride themselves on their fresh ingredients, including produce sourced every couple of days and quality meat made with no additives.


Photographed on the cover of its menu, designed by Vianey Aguilera, the Taco Diablo includes Spanish rice, a beef taco smothered in cheese and three shrimp wrapped in bacon and paired with pico de gallo and guacamole.
The Taco Diablo includes Spanish rice, a beef taco smothered in cheese and three shrimp wrapped in bacon and paired with pico de gallo and guacamole. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Taco Diablo includes Spanish rice, a beef taco smothered in cheese and three shrimp wrapped in bacon and paired with pico de gallo and guacamole. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Another customer favorite is the Pinata Molcajete, which includes a mix of beef, chicken, sausage and shrimp fajitas paired with nopales and served in a stone-made bowl.

In addition to an extensive menu, Las Pinatas Kitchen offers a brunch buffet for $20 on Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The brunch buffet includes a spread of Mexican breakfast options from beans, champurrado, pastries, eggs and an omelet bar.

The eatery also offers dinner favorites served Fridays-Sundays from 6-10 p.m. during its ‘Cenaduria,’ a Mexican concept referring to favorite cravings. To pair with its authentic meals, Las Pinatas Kitchen offers a different agua fresca every day of the week, coffee and margaritas made with quality tequila.

Refusing to give up as a small business owner, Sergio Aguilera said he invites the community to give Las Pinatas Kitchen a try and become their next favorite restaurant in the Tomball area.