TITLE: Congratulating Juan Francisco "Pancho" Ochoa on being named the 2011 BusinessPerson of the Year by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Juan Francisco "Pancho" Ochoa on being named the 2011 BusinessPerson of the Year by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Celebrated restaurateur Juan Francisco Ochoa has been named the 2011 BusinessPerson of the Year by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce; and WHEREAS, The founder of El Pollo Loco, "Pancho" Ochoa started that business in 1975 as a roadside chicken stand in Guasave, Mexico, and in just four years developed it into a thriving chain with 85 restaurants in 20 cities in Northern Mexico; in 1980, he introduced Americans to El Pollo Loco with a Los Angeles location, and two years later, he expanded to 17 more locations across the United States; the successful franchise was sold to Denny's in 1983; and WHEREAS, This accomplished entrepreneur soon made plans for another restaurant venture, and in 1987, he opened Taco Palenque in Laredo; the fast-food Mexican eatery has since been replicated 14 times over with five locations in Laredo and others in San Antonio, McAllen, Brownsville, Cotulla, Mission, and Houston; most recently, Mr. Ochoa opened the Palenque Grill, a full-service Mexican restaurant, with locations in Laredo and McAllen; from the beginning, Mr. Ochoa has been supported by his wife, Flerida, and today the couple's 6 children and 15 grandchildren all take an active role in the family business; and WHEREAS, A gifted and hardworking chef and businessman, Pancho Ochoa has delighted countless diners, while creating jobs and opportunities throughout South Texas, and he is truly deserving of this special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Juan Francisco "Pancho" Ochoa on being named the 2011 BusinessPerson of the Year by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Ochoa as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Raymond Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 144 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House