The History of Chuy's Restaurant

Chuy's Restaurant started in February 1959 as a two room Drive-In establishment with a canopy for 2 cars. It had no dining area inside, only window service. When we started out, we only sold hamburgers and soft drinks. At that time we were supported by the local teenagers. Parents soon followed their kids and a family-oriented atmosphere boosted our success. In 1960 the Van Horn Chamber of Commerce nominated us as the Outstanding Business of the Year.

Throughout the years the business has expanded to two dining rooms and a covered patio. We expanded our menu to include Mexican food. Actually, we became the first Mexican food restaurant in Van Horn. We have been blessed with the support of the local people and also by the repeat highway travelers. Our menu features Mexican food, Seafood, and American food. We now serve beer and wine.

In 1987 we were blessed with a visit by John Madden. He liked our food and started promoting us in books, magazines, radio and television. He has been a wonderful friend and supporter. There is no way we can repay him. He even labeled us as an ALL MADDEN HAUL OF FAME! Our business has improved and continous to thanks to Mr. Madden. To this day he still stops by. We have a room named after him and he has his own personal table and chair.

We still try to keep it a family-run business. My wife Mary Lou and I still go to the restaurant everyday and make sure that our customers are taken care of. We share a daughter Barbara Ramirez and a son Paul Uranga. Barbara and her husband Chito live in Odessa, Texas. Paul and his wife Bonnie live in Van Horn. Our grandaughters from Odessa help us out in the summer, they are Belissa, Kimi, and Andie. Even our grandaughter from Van Horn, Cami, gets involved.

Hopefully, Mary Lou and I can hang in there for a few more years and we will be happy to welcome you and your families to Chuy's in Van Horn, Texas!!