04/23/2026
For those who are new to the area, here’s a little history about Ochoa’s and the founder who started it all — Poppa Ochoa ❤️
Joe Ochoa Jr. was born on September 11, 1934, in a small Texas border town called Peñitas. He met and married the love of his life, Anita Magallan, on June 16, 1956, in Rancho Grande, Mexico. They shared 52 wonderful years together and built a beautiful family with 10 children.
Through years of hard work and saving, Mr. Ochoa opened the Malakoff location in the early 1970s. What started as a small building quickly became a place where family worked side by side and the community gathered to enjoy quality, authentic Mexican food. All of his children—and even some grandchildren—have worked in the restaurant over the years.
Mr. Ochoa believed in doing things the right way. He expected excellence, taught his family the importance of hard work, and always reminded them that customers come first.
Back in 1969, a local supporter named A. M. Barnes encouraged him to open what would become the first Mexican restaurant in Henderson County. Mr. Ochoa was concerned because he did not speak English at the time, but Barnes promised to help him. From a tiny house grew a big dream—and that dream became the family legacy known as Ochoa’s Mexican Restaurant.
As his reputation for authentic Mexican cooking spread across the area, the business continued to grow with the help of his family. Since 1969, Ochoa’s has proudly served Henderson County with the same commitment to quality, tradition, and community.
A legacy built on family, hard work, and great food 🇲🇽
Picture below 1970 first Mexican restaurant in Henderson county to be open
