Orallis Radilla, along with her family, first embarked on the journey of Don Mario’s in a modest space near the tracks on West Second Street in 2014. A decade later, their unwavering dedication has led to a flourishing downtown location, an expanded menu, and the relatively recent acquisition of Real Hacienda.
The original location specialized in street tacos and tortas and suffered several theft occurrences. In 2019, the family invested all of their savings to move to their current location at 122 West Second Street.
“My dad inspired me to open the restaurant,” Radilla said. “Since moving here, he’s always missed the street tacos from back home. We would have to go to Indianapolis, Louisville, or Chicago to get really good tacos. Our love for food and family inspired us just to go make our own tacos.”
Radilla proudly shared that they continue to use their original family recipes, which are a testament to their commitment to quality. These recipes, crafted with the highest-quality meats and freshest ingredients, are the heart and soul of Don Mario’s.
They opened the downtown spot on Valentine’s Day of 2020, and then the unthinkable happened: the pandemic.
“We opened in full force that February. We had all our licenses, finished the remodel, and were finally open – everybody was coming downtown, and we loved it,” Radilla said. “Exactly a month later, we were all in tears. We had all invested all we had. We were saving up to buy a home and instead put the money towards the restaurant.”
Uncertain of the future, Radilla and her family did all they could to care for their employees. She recalled bringing them all in and social distancing them so they had something to eat. She also regularly sent them home with several to-go meals, cleaning supplies, and paper products like plates and toilet paper, which was quite the commodity at the time.
Radilla’s husband worked in a factory in Louisville at the time and was the only income earner in her family, including her mother and father.
As restrictions lessened, her downtown neighbors allowed her to use additional sidewalk space for dining, something for which she is grateful.
“They allowed me to put a tent outside, and several people would come and sit and eat in that tent to help us,” she said. “I believe in God. We all went to various spiritual retreats and prayed every day. We were like, ‘Please help us, God. We’re not trying to get rich off of this; we just want to provide good food and help the community.’”
The Radillas persevered as a family, and with help from family, friends, and the community, they have a downtown destination they can be proud of. They offer an elaborate food and drink menu with several authentic staples.
During the warmer months, they capitalize on the patio seating and enjoy being a part of the Second Street community, especially during events like Friday After 5 and the Fam Jam block parties.
This past October, Radilla’s godfather, Armando Ortiz, approached her with an opportunity. Ortiz opened, owned, and operated both Real Haciendas, which had developed quite a positive reputation for Mexican restaurants in the community, especially since they were among the first.
He wanted her to buy the two locations. With her husband and her family, they agreed to purchase the two Owensboro icons.
“He told me he didn’t have the love he once had for it, and he was ready to retire,” she said. “He said there were several things that needed to be done that he hadn’t done because he knew he wanted out. We worked through the entire transition together.”
Radilla said Ortiz warned her that customers could get upset over potential changes but advised her that changes were imminent if the restaurants were going to continue to thrive. Her husband soon left his full-time position at the factory to assist during the acquisition and moving forward.
“I have to give the Lord, my family, friends, business neighbors, and the community all the love and thanks for their continued support,” Radilla said.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
