Blanca Aldaco, owner of Stone Oak restaurant Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine, received the 2023 Texas Restaurant Association’s Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year Award at their annual Lone Star Bash earlier in July in Houston.

A Mexican native, Aldaco and her family opened Aldaco’s Mexican Cuisine in 1989 near downtown San Antonio. They relocated the restaurant a short distance to a larger downtown space in 1999.

In 2008, Aldaco moved to North San Antonio and continues to offer authentic Mexican cuisine and a variety of margarita flavor options, restaurant representatives said.

According to a news release, Aldaco is a TRA board member who has been instrumental in helping to support the association’s efforts to aid Texas restaurants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TRA’s convention involves restaurant owners from across Texas meeting vendors and industry experts who offer the latest in restaurant technology and services.

The release states TRA each year recognizes a restaurateur who has done exemplary work to grow and strengthen the organization’s mission.

Aldaco dedicated her award to her restaurant staff, which includes several employees who have worked with her for more than 30 years.

“I dedicate this prestigious award to the heart and soul of Aldaco’s—to my team of 34 years,” she said in a statement. “Your dedication is incomparable.”