TYLER, Texas — A local Mexican restaurant celebrated its' second anniversary with a big block party in Tyler this past weekend and now a third location will open this Friday.
In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby Dalia Abarca opened the doors of Ruby's Mexican Restaurant to the Tyler community on Aug.15, 2020.
Before serving traditional Mexican food from their first location on Gentry Parkway, the restaurant had humble beginnings that started on a porch.
"We sold food outside of my mother's porch during COVID when I was let go at my job," Abarca said. "During this time, we met a lot of customers but were eventually shut down but on Aug. 15 we opened the restaurant for the first time."
Fast forward two years later, Abarca will have a total of three locations: East Gentry Parkway, Lindsey Lane, and the grand opening of her third location on 3502 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler on Aug. 19 at 7 a.m.
Ruby's 2nd anniversary block party
With the encouragement of her family, Abarca opened Ruby's with the mindset of providing for her family and giving back to the community.
"All I wanted to do is help and serve my community. I want Ruby's to grow but with the community, together," Abarca said.
Sweet Necia Sweets Bakery owner Carnecia Foster said her family makes the drive from Lindale to Tyler to eat at Ruby's because it's one of their favorite restaurants. She came out Sunday afternoon to celebrate the second anniversary of Ruby's.
“We always come to Ruby's restaurant and we decided to donate a banana pudding cheesecake because small businesses need to stick together and support each other in the community," Foster said. "We all have the same dream of owning a successful business.”
Abarca has inspired many to make their business dream a reality and as part of the anniversary celebration, Abarca welcomed local vendors to set up tents outside of her restaurant to help promote their businesses.
"We opened our spicy candy business: MV Enchiladitos with not much but with the support of our family we were able to begin our business. We've learned from Ruby that everything is possible if you work hard. Ruby is an example that everyone can do it and you can give back to the community as well, " said Abarca's sister Maria Vega.
Abarca's daughter Janetzy Sanchez is following in her mother's footsteps by opening her own business this fall at the Texas State Fair selling agua fresca drinks.
"I wouldn't be pursuing this without her support and encouragement. She is my mom but also my role model," Sanchez said.
Abarca also supports her employees who she said without them her restaurant wouldn't be successful.
“I was 17 when I first started working at Ruby’s," said employee Jesus Perez. "I am thankful to Ruby because she was very understanding with having to balance school, band and work. Not every job does that but Ruby gave me a helping hand."
At Ruby's Mexican Restaurant, the workers are a family and together they learn valuable lessons that the employees can take with them in their lives.
"One of the main things I've learned here at Ruby's is taking responsibility for your actions," said employee Jyovany Robles. "I am thankful to Ruby and appreciate everything she's done for me."
Abarca's life changed when she opened Ruby's Mexican Restaurant but she said what the restaurant has given her and her family in return means so much more.
"This restaurant means so much to me in every aspect- personal, physical, spiritual, and emotional," Abarca said Sunday. "I am very grateful to God for everything, to our customers, and to all the people who work with me because with them we are able to be where we are today, celebrating our second anniversary. And we hope there will be many more anniversaries."