A Legacy of Fire and Heart
It Started with a Flame
In 1973, in a small kitchen fueled by necessity and a mother’s love, a revolution was born. Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, did more than just open a restaurant; she changed the culinary world forever by inventing the fajita. What started as a family’s dream became the very heartbeat of Houston’s food culture.
Resilience is Our Secret Ingredient
The road wasn’t always easy. After the passing of Thomas Laurenzo in 1969, Ninfa was left a widow with five children and a struggling business. Instead of giving up, the family leaned into their heritage. They didn’t just survive; they pioneered. Though the landscape of the city changed over the decades, the Laurenzo spirit remained unbreakable.
In 1998, Roland Laurenzo and his son Domenic took that original spark and ignited El Tiempo Cantina. They didn't just want to build a restaurant; they wanted to protect a legacy of Respect and Honor – treating every guest like family and every recipe like a sacred trust.
Over 75 Years of Tradition, One Click Away
Today, El Tiempo Cantina defines the extraordinary flavors of authentic Tex-Mex. We still use the same proprietary processes, the same hand-cut meats, and the same fresh-squeezed lime juice that made us famous. But we know that today’s "family table" looks different. Whether you’re gathered in our dining room or around your own at home, our mission is to make experiencing our heritage effortless. We have modernized our legacy with a seamless, digital-first experience, bringing the world’s first and best fajitas directly to your door with a single click.
Meet Our Brand Family
Four brands. One legacy of excellence. Whether you’re dining at El Tiempo Cantina, savoring the luxury of Lorenzo’s Prime Rib, grabbing a quick bite at the Taqueria, or hosting with our Catering team, you’re experiencing the perfect intersection of market-fresh quality and soulful Mexican tradition.
From our family’s kitchen to your table – experience the tradition, modernized.
