An Austin Tex-Mex institution finds new digs and breaks new ground
If it is true that it takes a village to raise a child, then it is definitely true that it takes a village to feed a community – good Tex-Mex that is! While Austin is commonly known worldwide as the ‘Live Music Capital,’ a lesser-known fact is that Austin is the Tex-Mex food capital of the world as well. The competition is steep. And Amaya’s Taco Village is the leader of the pack.
For longer than many of its patrons have been alive, Amaya’s has been serving up savory, authentic Tex-Mex fare in their family-run, “a customer is family,” way. And it has paid off big. Starting off in a meager and modest location on Austin’s fabled East side, Amaya’s loyal customer-base has continued to grow, encouraging the legendary eatery to move to larger accommodations.
No matter what the economic circumstance, and no matter where they moved, their customers always followed them and brought new faces. Amaya’s largest challenge was keeping up with demand. After many years of leasing and escalating rent, the Amaya family decided it was time for a longer-term solution. They met with TxCDC and JPMorgan Chase Bank to create a new recipe for the future.
Through the SBA’s 504 Refinance Program, Oscar Martinez (TxCDC) and Jennifer Tolbert (JPMorgan Chase) crafted an affordable loan solution for the Amaya family business. Oscar’s and Jennifer’s combined 30 plus years of lending experience were just the right combination of ingredients for SBA 504 lending.
Amaya’s Taco Village is ecstatic about celebrating their Grand Opening next month at their new, larger location at 5804 IH 35.
“Our business has always been a family business and our restaurant has been successful because we are a family restaurant. Working with TxCDC was like working with family. They understood our needs and challenges and they helped us make the right move.” – Robert Amaya
LENDER PROFILE:
Jennifer Tolbert
Vice President, Relationship Manager
Chase Business Banking
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Lending officer for Amaya’s Taco Village