Cesar and Denise Leal, owners of Leal’s Restaurant in Woodway, stand in front of shelves displaying photos of their three sons.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

 

Cesar and Denise Leal, owners of Leal’s Restaurant in Woodway, stand in front of shelves displaying photos of their three sons.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

Since April 1993, Cesar Leal has been serving up Mexican food from his location at 9000 Panther Drive just off Estates Drive and Highway 84 in Woodway.

His motto for the restaurant is “Authentic Mexican food made fresh everyday the way Mama used to make.”

His business is a bustling success, a testament to the hard work and dreams Cesar had as a child growing up in Puebla, Mexico, south of Mexico City.

His dad died when he was 9, and his mom never remarried.

“It was a totally different world,” he said. “Sometimes we take things for granted in this country. But I was selling tacos on the street at age 12, and driving a taxi at age 14. It wasn’t easy.”

The thriving restaurant has helped provide a good life for him, his wife Denise, and their three sons, Eric, Brandon and Carlos. Eric is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University. Brandon is about to graduate from Midway High School and plans to enroll in culinary school in Austin. Carlos is finishing his sophomore year at Midway.

Cesar’s family history has helped his sons appreciate the opportunities available to them, and to also have a heart for those who are less fortunate.

Cesar said his oldest son has participated in mission work in Africa, Spain and throughout the United States.

Chili Topper Special, $3.69.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

Cindy Aguilar carries plates of steaming Mexican specialties to waiting customers.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

In America, Cesar was able to make his dreams of owning a business and a ranch come true. A big step forward for Cesar was when he earned his GED in 1991.

Cesar met Denise when the two were employed at IHOP. She was a hostess working her way through college, and he was a cook.

“We didn’t like each other at first,” Denise said.

“But we’ve been married 27 years and have been very blessed,” Cesar said.

Denise grew up in Waco, and is a third-generation Texan.

For Cesar, the road to prosperity has been rocky at times.

“When I first came from Mexico, my dream was to be a dishwasher,” he said. “I worked over 90 hours one week and got a check for $110. I said to the owner, ‘que paso’ (What’s happening) and he said ‘If you don’t like it, adios.’ ”

He said at IHOP, he worked only six days a week and made $145. “It was a lot better,” he said. Meeing Denise there was an unexpected bonus.

Cesar previously worked at a restaurant in Robinson, which is now run by his brother, Fred.

The Leals also own a vending machine business, which Cesar’s son Eric helps run.

But the primary focus of their business interests is the family restaurant in Woodway.

“When I was ready to start my own business, I was looking for the right place,” Cesar said. “This building was available and it has been the greatest thing to be part of this community. The people have been very supportive, and we’ve worked hard to earn their trust and keep their business.”

But the restaurant’s popularity hasn’t been limited to locals. When George W. Bush was president, several members of his staff and the Secret Service dined there. And word spread. When Mexican President Vicente Fox visited Central Texas, his staff also visited Leal’s.

The restaurant has contracts to send burritos to Midway, Waco and University high schools. Cesar estimated they prepare about 500 burritos per day just for those schools.

The menu includes traditional Mexican items such as tacos, tamales, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas.

There are 23 lunch specials to cater to a variety of tastes. Prices range from $4.79 to $6.99, and a la carte items also are available.

Cesar said his favorite item is puerco y nopales, or pork and cactus.

The restaurant also has an extensive breakfast menu, served until 11 a.m., with breakfast burritos being among the most popular items. They cost $3.09 to $3.39, with additional fees for extra ingredients.

Carne Asada plate, $6.59.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

Carne Guisada with rice and beans, $5.59.
Photo by Duane A. Laverty

Denise’s favorite menu item is huevos rancheros, eggs with salsa, onions, beans, potatoes and a choice of meat, served with flour tortillas.

The restaurant’s success has allowed the Leal family to donate to local schools, sponsor scholarships and support local youth sports.

The business keeps the family busy, but Cesar still finds time to hunt, whenever possible. On a trip to Canada, he shot a black bear and an elk.

“He told me he was going for the elk, but I didn’t hear about the black bear until later,” Denise said.

Because of unsafe conditions in Mexico, Cesar doesn’t get back to visit family there very often.

The last family trip to Puebla was in 2000. Cesar took a solo trip to Puebla in 2007, when his grandmother died at the age of 101.

He has come a long way since the days of selling food as a sixth-grader on the streets of Puebla.

“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “We’re here to serve the customers, and we take that job very seriously.”

Denise said she and her family definitely don’t take success for granted.

“People are always telling us we have such a great business,” she said. “God has really blessed us, and we’re very thankful.”

Leal’s Restaurant

9000 Panther Drive

Woodway • 772-8140

6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday