The Herreras have only been in the Cypress restaurant industry for 10 years, but the family is well known throughout the community.

Eric Lippmann, general manager for Marvino’s Italian Kitchen, the family’s newest culinary creation, said many customers come into the restaurant only knowing it is another product of the Herreras.

“It is a passion for food and service [founder] David [Herrera] has created in all of his restaurants,” Lippmann said. “[Customers] really appreciate the family [and] what they have done, which is putting together a quality restaurant.”

Decades ago, Herrera immigrated to Houston from El Salvador and worked his way through the restaurant industry. He spent several years at Tony’s, a restaurant known for fine dining and Italian cuisine.

After saving up the funds to open his own restaurant—Alicia’s Mexican Grille—in 2006, Herrera then went on to open a selection of restaurants in the Cy-Fair area. In May 2015, he decided to return to his culinary roots by opening an Italian eatery.

Although Marvino’s features an extensive menu of Italian food, it does not cover the full scope of what the restaurant can offer, Lippmann said.

“Anything that is not on our menu, we are going to do anyhow,” he said.

Lippmann said the menu features many Italian classics—such as Neapolitan pizzas and lasagna Bolognese—but also serves dishes like seafood gumbo, which he referred to as heritage influences.

“We’ve got seafood gumbo on our menu, which is not a typical Italian dish, but people love it,” he said.

The Herreras are taking these dishes and trying to make them as much a part of their customers’ families as they have been a part of their family.

“We are thrilled that so many others share our passion for delicious, authentic Italian food. We are committed to serving only the best, and are incredibly grateful to our guests for Marvino’s success,” Herrera said.