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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.44


                            [CASA OLE LETTERHEAD]



                                        May 15, 1997

Mr. Curt Glowacki
c/o Monterey Acquisition Corp.
3838 N. Sam Houston Pkwy.,  Suite 520
Houston, TX  77032

Dear Curt,

Welcome to the Casa Ole management team.  In your role as Executive Vice
President, Operations, you will play an integral role in our current and future
growth.  Although your full responsibilities will continue to evolve as we
accelerate our growth, your initial responsibilities will include serving as
General Manger for Monterey Acquisition Corp. (MAC).  I know that you realize
that you have a hands-on operating responsibility that is critical to the
success of our profitable growth.  I am detailing in this letter our employment
terms and compensation understanding with you.  Please signify your acceptance
by signing in the space provided at the end of this letter.

1. Salary - A base salary of $140,000 per annum with annual adjustments in the
   future as approved by the Board of Directors.

2. Bonus - In 1997 you will receive as a bonus 1% of the pre-tax and
   pre-interest expense cash flow earned by MAC.  In 1998 you will be
   eligible for a share of the senior executive bonus pool that will be paid
   pursuant to a bonus plan to be established by the Board of Directors of the
   Company for 1998 performance.  That 1998 pay-out will be based on the
   increase in after tax earnings (unless otherwise determined by the Board of
   Directors) generated by Casa Ole Restaurants, Inc. on a consolidated basis,
   as well as your specific accomplishments on your personal goals (especially
   the goal of increasing same restaurant sales while meeting or beating the
   financial budgets.)

3. Stock Option Grants - coinciding with the closing of the acquisition of MAC
   you will be granted options to purchase shares of the Company pursuant to
   the Company's Employee Stock Option Plan.  Your option amount of 36,000
   shares will  equal approximately 1% of the shares currently outstanding with
   vesting at 10% after year one, 15% after year two, and the balance of 25% at
   the end of each of the next three years thereafter.  In addition, at the
   discussion of the Board of Directors you will be eligible for future stock
   option grants.
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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.44


4.  Long-term Compensation - You will be eligible for annual contributions, as
    determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, to a non-qualified
    Life Insurance Plan to be established by the Company to provide you with
    certain long-term insurance and income benefits.  Ms. Riffe will explain to
    you the details of this plan program.

5.  Automobile - You will receive $750.00 per month car allowance.  The Company
    will also reimburse you for the cost of insurance on the automobile that
    you use for business purposes.

6.  Life Insurance - At the maximum amount available to other officers of the
    Company under the Company Group Life Insurance Plan.

7.  Medical Insurance - The Company will provide medical insurance coverage as
    provided in the Company's Group Major Medical Insurance Plan which includes
    coverage paid 100% by the Company.  Dental insurance is available at a
    nominal cost.

8.  Vacation Days - The Company policy is 10 business days during the first year
    of employment and 15 business days per year in each succeeding year.  You
    will receive credit for your time with MAC so you will have 15 business days
    per year.  Vacation does not accrue or carry over from one year to the next.

9.  Compensation Coverage - From the start of employment with the Company you
    will have rolling forward one year employment compensation protection.  The
    employment compensation protection means that if you are terminated, the
    Company will pay your base salary until you have found alternative
    employment for one year after termination of employment.  In return for this
    compensation coverage you will agree to give the Company a minimum of six
    months notice of your intention to leave employment with the Company.
    In the event you resign with less that six months notice, you will forfeit
    the unexercised benefits you have obtained under the Stock Option Plan as
    well as any vacation pay that is accrued but unpaid at the time of such
    resignation.

10. Non-Competition - For a period of one year after leaving employment with
    the Company, you will not, directly or indirectly, engage in any manner, in
    any business activities within the Continental United States involving a
    Mexican restaurant operation, or any other restaurant business whose
    menu and trade dress is substantially similar to that employed by our
    concept.

11. Effective Date - This agreement is effective with the date of closing of
    the acquisition of MAC by the Company and all dates herein are calculated
    from that date.

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                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.44


Curt, we are very excited about your role leading the day to day operations
management of Casa Ole.  It is a great opportunity for you, and we are honored
to have you in this critical leadership role.  Together, we will build a
wonderful company.


Sincerely,                                      Agreed and Accepted


/s/  Louis P. Neeb                              /s/  Curt Glowacki
--------------------------------                -------------------------------
Louis P. Neeb                                   Curt Glowacki
Chairman of the Board                           Date:  5/16/97
  and Chief Executive Officer