The restaurant at 100 Southpoint Loop in Livingston has hosted its share of family meals, reunions, birthday parties and nights out with friends. This weekend, they will serve the final dishes.
Jana Kimberling said it’s going to be difficult to imagine life without El Burrito. It has been in her family since the beginning. It started with her aunt, uncle, mother and stepfather opening the first restaurant in Cleveland. In 1983, the second was established in Livingston in Natasha Plaza, now Pan American Plaza. Later, a third was added in Liberty.
Kimberling was still in high school at the time, attending Conroe McCullough. She said the family’s experience in the industry gave them confidence to start something new.
“My mom and my aunt were both waitresses in a Mexican restaurant back for many years, and my stepdad was a GM at one of those Mexican restaurants, and that's what they knew. My stepdad was from Mexico. So, they had recipes and ideas and they just thought, ‘We can do this on our own.’
“There was a restaurant in Natasha Plaza, a Mexican restaurant that was closing, and we moved into that building, that space. It was Mexican food, and it was in the corner. I don't know that it was there very long, maybe a few years or something.”
A few years later, they made the move up to Highway 59.
Toni Celedon was instrumental in helping make the transition when Kimberling became owner in 1999. She had been the general manager, and maintained that role until retiring just months ago.
“Without her – her leaving, that's the reason we cannot go on,” Kimberling said. “There's just really nobody else that can run the restaurant the way she has. It's been a well-oiled machine and it's been because of her. Toni did it all.”
So, what has made El Burrito such a success?
The owner says there are a few factors – unique recipes with fresh food, a family atmosphere, and dedicated employees.
If there is a desire to have one last meal in the restaurant, Sunday is the final day of business. There has been an uptick in customers, some driving a distance to eat at a favorite for the final time.
The property sold to Tia Juanita’s, and the popular chain is set to open after renovations around July or August. However, the intellectual property is still for sale. Interested in finally learning that chili con queso recipe? You can – for a price.
“We do still have that for sale to the right buyer. Our name, if somebody did want to carry on our name and our recipes, we have it for sale.”
The restaurant has been more than a place to grab some food; it has been part of the community. Proudly displaying pictures on the wall, they have sponsored little league teams, backed local schools, and supported the youth rodeo and livestock shows.
“We have been an icon in Livingston for four-plus decades,” Kimberling said. “That is because of the people there, supporting us and loving our food. It feels good to be able to go out on a high note like this. People have been really gracious, knowing that we're extra busy right now. I'm so genuinely grateful for the people of Livingston that have supported us and all the amazing comments. I'm grateful for knowing and being able to have been part of their memories and their experiences over the years. We have truly watched up to four generations of people grow up and come through there. It's amazing.”
