Carlos Sotomayor, manager and part owner of the Golden Corral restaurant on Boca Chica Boulevard and a member of the association s Lower Rio Grande Valley chapter, said his establishment has been doing well since it opened in 1990. Sotomayor said his restaurant took first place among all the Golden Corral franchises in the United States for customer service, cleanliness, employee retention and profitability. Tony Roma s, known for its barbecue ribs, is also capitalizing on the appetite of Valley consumers. Rick Guerra, part owner of the chain, said a Tony Roma s franchise is scheduled to open in Brownsville late in March. Texas diners spent more than 50 percent more in restaurants than in grocery stores last year, Guerra said.
People don t have time to eat at home anymore.
Some 60 restaurants in the Lower Valley belong to the association. In addition to being part of the survey, association members can participate in seminars, receive legal advice and information about the restaurant industry, Duarte said.