Our story
It all started when our family matriarch, Mamasuez, immigrated from Michoacát, Mexico to Fort Worth in 1911.
Nestled in a small grocery store called Commercial De Tafolla, their legacy began in 1930 by serving sandwiches, BBQ, and authentic Mexican recipes for the Northside community. The store also stocked bread, dried meats, and candy. Notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde stopped by for BBQ sandwiches and bread! As demand for their recipes grew, they founded “Joe’s Place”which eventually transitioned to “Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Dishes”- a place for locals to enjoy Joe’s slow-cooked meat and Mamasuez’ enchiladas and secret gravy recipe.
When Joe suddenly passed away in 1953, Mamasuez was left to face a difficult situation. She was an immigrant woman in a man’s world, a world that wasn’t always kind to those who didn’t fit the mold. However, resilience is a force to be reckoned with. And the same grit that led her to overcome life’s punches, again and again, is what determined her story. She continued to provide for her children and grandchildren, working long, tough days, determined to give them a better life than she had. And she succeeded. Eventually joined by her daughters – Mary, and our mother, Hope Lancarte – Mamasuez renamed the restaurant “Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Dishes.”
The youngest daughter of Joe and Mamasuez, Hope was a steadfast and straightforward woman who soon found her place as a bedrock of the family–leading with conviction, determination, and a backup plan. She exemplified the importance of what it means to be a family, to be resilient and forceful. Hope’s place in the Joe T.’s story helped propel it into its destiny as together, they recreated the Mexican recipes from Mamasuez’s childhood and paid the bills one day at a time. In 1969, our world-famous Gardens were born from a vision to create an oasis for the community. Inspired by Mamasuez’ love for plants, we began to transform the livestock pasture next to our home and restaurant. We imagined a lush patio area and a pool for family festivities, where laughter and music would drift through the air as our community created memories beneath a colorful canopy of flowers.
Over the years, we have planted hundreds of trees, bushes, and flowers to create a truly unique space. In a world that can sometimes feel gray and bleak, our oasis has become a welcome splash of color. Not every day do you get to walk through a door and enter an entirely new world. This is where you can forget your troubles and just have fun, where people can gather to celebrate life’s special moments or enjoy each other’s company over a pitcher of margaritas.
We were overwhelmed by the positive response from the community, both near and far. People came to experience our garden paradise and stayed for Mamasuez’ delicious food. With lines out the door, our restaurant was filled every day with people who couldn’t get enough of our scratch cooking and lively atmosphere. Nearby neighbors dropped in to say hello and ended up staying for hours; strangers were chatting and laughing like old friends. Guests came from all over the world to experience Joe T.’s, and it was clear that our little restaurant had become a festive place of revelry and celebration for many people. We loved to bring joy into the world, and we continue to do so.
Sadly, Mamasuez passed away in 1988, and Hope followed in 2014. But both women left behind an indelible impression on each of us. Their hard work and dedication made Joe T’s what it is today, and as the decades have passed, we continue to preserve their legacy. Over the years, our little patio garden transformed into a lush paradise and the family pool into a whimsical fountain. But the feeling remains from when Hope and Mamasuez first brought our family together, from when our way was forged by one woman’s fire all those years ago.
Today, we offer Fort Worth the same amazing experience our family has been providing for almost a century. Where in between bites, visitors can share stories and laugh until their sides hurt, where we can connect with one another and spend valuable time with family and friends. You’ve seen the photos. You’ve heard about our margaritas. But our restaurant is more than just great food and drinks. It’s a place where memories are made, and bonds are formed. There’s so much that’s special here, and we hope you can see, feel, and taste the love here at Joe T Garcia’s.
