Food, Family and Felix
Celebrating 30 years of serving others
Written by Cindy Chapman, Interview by Sharon Leffler. Photos curtsey of Felix Medrano
Cristina’s in Trophy Club is known for its fine Mexican cuisine. And for more than 30 years, Cristina’s has also been a special part of the life of Felix Medrano.
Felix moved from Mexico and got his first job as a dishwasher in 1985 when he was just 18. Felix didn’t know any English when he first arrived, but he made a friend in Arturo Vargas who also was a dishwasher.Later, they both became cooks at a restaurant called Angelina’s.
Soon Arturo married Angelina’s daughter, Tina, and purchased the restaurant from Tina’s mother so they could run the business together. They named it Cristina’s after one of their daughters.
Felix continued with Cristina's and became an invaluable employee as the restaurant grew and the business opened more locations. In the early 2000s, the Vargas family opened their Trophy Club location, and Felix has been there since opening day.
Felix’s story is not just one of loyalty but of determination and hard work. He makes sure that every single day he is giving his best. Having taught himself English, he is proof that you can succeed when you put in the hard work.
For over 30 years, Felix has been serving customers at Cristina’s Fine Mexican restaurant with a smile on his face. “This is my sweet spot,” says Felix, “I love talking to people and taking care of them.”
Don’t let the fact that there are multiple Cristina’s locations around DFW make you think they are a chain. They truly are a family-operated restaurant. Over the years, not only has Felix become part of the family but all of Felix’s children and grandchildren as well, as many have worked at the restaurant just like Felix.
Felix also DJs on the side with his son, Felix Jr.
“This is like my home, and the food is good enough for me to stay,” Felix jokes when asked why he is so loyal to his job.
Next time you’re craving some fresh from scratch Mexican food, head on over to Cristina’s in Trophy Club and look for Felix. Even though you might come in a stranger, Felix will make sure you leave as family.