Despite opening its doors in 2022, Mixtitos Kitchen is facing financial strain due to low sales. Rodriguez, along with his wife and sister-in-law, who co-own the restaurant, has invested their savings into the business. Rodriguez, a father of four, describes Mixtitos as "our fifth baby," emphasizing the emotional and financial stakes involved.
In a bid to save Mixtitos, Rodriguez has turned to social media, rallying supporters in East Dallas to lend a helping hand. One such supporter is Manuel Zaby, an East Dallas resident who has organized dinners at Mixtitos to drum up business. Zaby, deeply moved by Rodriguez's dedication, expressed his admiration, stating, "I just feel that he is owed something for the effort that he’s put into this."
Mixtitos' menu, inspired by Rodriguez's Mexican-Japanese heritage, offers a diverse range of dishes, including tempura veggies, street tacos, and a unique dish called Japanese shepherd’s pie. Despite the challenging circumstances, Rodriguez remains hopeful, expressing his desire to persevere. He reflects on the support he has received, acknowledging the efforts of patrons like Zaby and friend Steven Montgomery, who are committed to seeing Mixtitos thrive.
As Rodriguez faces this uphill battle, he remains steadfast in his resolve, echoing his mantra, "don’t give up."