This February, we celebrated all things love with “Love at Gringo’s”! We asked you to share your heartwarming accounts of how Gringo’s played a role in your love life, and we were overwhelmed with the amazing response! Your entries touched our hearts, from first dates to anniversaries and everything in between. We’ve been highlighting a new love story every day, right here on our blog, and today, we share our final one – a very special piece! Get ready to be inspired by these sweet tales of romance, “meet cutes”, and delicious Tex-Mex!

Kendall and Patrick

Our final ‘Love at Gringo’s’ story is a very special one, close to our hearts. It’s the story of how Kendall and Patrick found love and built a family within our Gringo’s community!

“Patrick and I met at Gringo’s while training new servers for a store opening. I was impressed by his patience and kindness with a trainee who was struggling to complete her training. When she finally did, I promised to sit in her section the next day. To my surprise, Patrick invited himself—then canceled and instead asked to take me to dinner. We went to Gringo’s for what I wasn’t even sure was a first date, but his calming presence stood out. That night, I told my friend, “I know this sounds crazy, but I think I’m going to marry him.”

We began dating, with us both quickly realizing we had found our forever. Less than a year later, Patrick proposed at the exact table of our first date. He had a guitarist play as he used seven words at 7:00 PM on 7/7 at Gringo’s #7. We even kept the table!

Gringo’s was more than a restaurant—it was the heart of our love story. Regulars helped with our wedding, and our careers and family grew there. Now, after 10 years together and 8 years married, we have a beautiful son who has grown up surrounded by a chosen family of godparents (Justin & Christi Saunders), grandparents (Joel & Jamie Perkins), aunts, and uncles—all people we met at Gringo’s.

I always joke, “We met at Gringo’s, had our first date at Gringo’s, got engaged at Gringo’s… and our son is named Gringo’s—okay, not really.” But we’re forever grateful that Russell turned on the open sign 31 years ago, setting the stage for our story.”

Kendall and Patrick’s story is the perfect culmination of our “Love at Gringo’s” series. It reminds us that Gringo’s is more than just a place to eat—it’s a place where connections are made, lives are changed, and love stories begin. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories with us this Valentine’s Day. We cherish each and every one. Happy Valentine’s Day from our Gringo’s family to yours! ❤️

Dori and Nick Scarpa

Today’s “Love at Gringo’s” story comes from Dori and Nick Scarpa, and it’s a beautiful example of how a workplace romance blossomed into a beautiful marriage. From serving tables to celebrating their wedding, Gringo’s “The Original” played a central role in Dori and Nick’s journey.
“We met at Gringo’s “The Original” in 2013 when we were both waiting tables. After some persuasion and interference from fellow friends/waitstaff, we ended up dating. We both moved up within the company, one to Gringo’s corporate accounting and the other as an office administrator for “The Original” and eventually married in 2018. It was truly a blessing to not only have our favorite food catered by our favorite restaurant for our wedding, but also to be surrounded by our wonderful friends we made at Gringo’s along the way. We have both moved on in careers, but “The OG” will forever hold a special place in our hearts. It is where the foundation was laid for us to succeed in future careers, where we made lifetime friends who are now family, and where we met each other. Gringo’s “The Original” will always be “home” for us. The picture I have attached is from our wedding day with some of our Gringo’s family who celebrated with us.”

Dori’s story reminds us that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. It’s a reminder of the community Gringo’s fosters, and we’re so honored to have been a part of Dori and Nick’s special journey. We wish them continued happiness and many more delicious memories together!

Heather and Robert McKeon

For Heather and Robert, Gringo’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a time capsule, holding the echoes of laughter, the warmth of first glances, and the promise of a future waiting to unfold. It’s where a shared passion for Tex-Mex and a dedication to creating memorable experiences for others sparked a connection that would last a lifetime.

“Robert and I met at Gringo’s La Porte in 1999 – we both worked for the company. 26 years later, we’ve been married almost 24 years, have two boys, and a book of stories on how Gringo’s has impacted our lives.”

Heather and Robert’s journey began at Gringo’s, evolving from coworkers to partners who built a life filled with love, family, and shared memories. Their story, 26 years in the making, is a testament to the enduring power of connection. We’re grateful to have played a part in their love story and wish them many more years of happiness. ❤️

For day eleven of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we’re sharing Shanese and her fiancé’s romantic story, which began with a first date at Gringo’s.

“Our first date was at Gringo’s. We sat at the bar and talked so long that the restaurant started to close on us! Four years later, we are now happily engaged!”

Shanese and her fiancé’s story is a reminder that time flies when you’re having fun! From a first date that stretched to closing time to an engagement four years later, their experience shows how a shared love for good food and good company can pave the way for a beautiful future. We’re so happy for them and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness together! ❤️

Samantha Kaufman

Those early days of a relationship are filled with so much hope and excitement. For Samantha, one particular evening at Gringo’s stands out as a moment of pure joy, the moment she knew it was love.

“We went to Gringo’s to celebrate my birthday, just a few months after we started dating. It was there that he first told me he loved me. Eight years, two beautiful twin boys, and a wedding later, we’re still together, and Gringo’s remains a special place for our family. We bring our twin boys here often, and they absolutely love it, always yelling for their favorite—the rice and beans!”

Eight years, two little ones who know what they like (rice and beans!), and one unforgettable evening later, Gringo’s remains a cherished spot for Samantha and her family. It’s where love was first spoken, and where family traditions are now being built. We’re so honored to be a part of their journey!

Terra Shields

For day nine of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we’re sharing a sweet story of first dates and forever love!

“Three years ago, I met my now-husband at Jimmy Changas for our first date. He drove out of his way to accommodate my work schedule, which was so thoughtful. We both love Gringo’s, of course, but this was closer to my job. After that date, we’ve been inseparable. We’re married now and go to Jimmy Changas at least once a month, ordering our first date meal! And we frequent Gringo’s, too. He always jokes that he won me over with cheese and a margarita, and honestly, he kind of did! It was waiting for me when I arrived after a long day. It’s our family’s favorite restaurant, so our relationship began and blossomed there. Now we even take our grandson, who also loves it!”

From that thoughtful first date to family meals with their grandson, Terra and her husband have created a beautiful love story. We’re so happy that both Jimmy Changas and Gringo’s have played a part in their journey. Cheers to many more years of delicious memories! ❤️

Britani and Homero

For day eight of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we’re serving up a sweet story of friendship, fate, and fajitas!

“Homero and I were acquaintances through mutual friends, but never really hung out until he transferred to Gringo’s Katy and we started serving together. One day, I asked him to go out after work, and from that day on, we haven’t separated! We now have a two-and-a-half-year-old and another on the way! Since then, he’s moved up and has become a Manager to support us. If it wasn’t for Gringo’s, we probably wouldn’t be together, now going on four years!”

From shared shifts to shared dreams, Britani and Homero’s story is a testament to the power of connection. It’s a reminder that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and sometimes, the best things in life start with a simple invitation after work!

Rhianna Harrison

For day seven of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we have a modern romance that began online and found its footing in a shared love for our Tex-Mex.

“We matched online in 2012 and talked all week. Everything was going well, and during conversation it came out that Gringo’s was my favorite restaurant. So when he finally asked me to dinner for our first date, he obviously suggested Gringo’s. We met for the first time in the parking lot of The Original in Pearland. And as he was walking up to my car & the front door, I remember thinking how handsome he was and I knew he was nervous. But the date went amazing! We dated, got engaged, and were married all while continuing to always share our special moments with dinners at Gringo’s! We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary on 12/13 and have many memories spent at the Gringo’s all over the Houston area.”

From that initial online connection to a decade of delicious anniversaries, Gringo’s has been a constant in Rhianna’s love story. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best connections are made over shared passions, even if that passion is for perfectly seasoned fajitas! We’re so glad they chose Gringo’s as the setting for their first date and countless celebrations since. Cheers to many more years of love and Gringo’s! ❤️

Kelsea Vanderslice

For day six of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we’re sharing a story that proves love can be found in the most unexpected places – even in the middle of a busy shift! Kelsea and Eric’s “meet cute” happened right here at Gringo’s in La Porte, and their story is a tasty mix of friendship, career advancement, and happily ever after.

“My fiancé and I met at Gringo’s in La Porte as servers! As soon as I met him, we became the best of friends. We both got promoted to be LTs and began our journey growing with the company. Working with your significant other is NEVER easy but knowing I could count on him to understand my bad and good days was always good. We taught each other things about our position and both worked to make our store the best possible. In September of 2024, we got engaged and went to the store first to tell everyone the good news! Our love story is a newer one, and Eric is now a manager at Texas City! Seeing the growth he’s had with this company blows my mind everyday. He pushes staff to be their best, and we both have worked to make our own stores the best they could possibly be! From being servers, to shift leads, to LTs and now a manager has been a crazy journey. Working together tested us in the best ways and I couldn’t be more grateful that my job led me to my husband.”

Kelsea and Eric’s story is a sweet example of how shared experiences can lead to lasting love. From servers to soulmates, their time at Gringo’s proves that sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them. ❤️

Kayla Hinson

For day five of our “Love at Gringo’s” series, we’re celebrating a couple whose love story has grown and evolved right alongside their favorite Gringo’s entrees!

“My husband and I were high school sweethearts. We had our first date at Gringo’s at 16 and 17 years old. Throughout the 18 years that we’ve been together, we’ve been on many, many date nights to Gringo’s. We have now been married for 11 years and have 2 children who we bring to Gringo’s every Friday night for our weekly family dinner out to eat. So many wonderful memories and meals shared here!”

Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story, Kayla! Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and Friday night dinners at Gringo’s! ❤️

Stacie Scheurich

Today’s “Love at Gringo’s” story is all about how love for our food can turn into a lifelong family affair! This lovely couple found a unique way to celebrate their big day and create lasting memories:

“We love Gringo’s and had to have our small reception there! We recently took our baby to Gringo’s for the first time and recreated, with him, our wedding photo by the sign. We’re a Gringo’s family!”

We’re so touched that this couple chose Gringo’s to be a part of their wedding celebration and that they continue to make Gringo’s a part of their family’s milestones!

Joseph Rios

Who knew that a first date at Gringo’s could lead to true love (and a move across state lines!)? Joseph’s story is proof that sometimes, the best love stories start with delicious food:

“My, now-wife, who I met here in Texas, flew in from Georgia, and for our first official date, we went to Gringo’s. She fell in love with the food, especially the Quesabirria. None of the food back home compared so she moved to Texas. Now we go all the time and bring our kids there to enjoy the delicious menu!”

We love that Gringo’s was the setting for such a memorable first date and that it continues to be a special place for Joseph and his family. This is what “Love at Gringo’s” is all about!

Allison Dirks

On day two, we share Allison’s story, a beautiful example of how Gringo’s can be a place where love takes root and blossoms.

“In 2009, as just kids in high school, we went on our very first date to The Original Gringo’s in Pearland and sat awkwardly on the same side of the booth. Over the next 6 years of dating, we frequented Gringo’s for many date nights! Now almost 10 years of marriage & 2 kids later, Gringo’s is the only spot we go to for birthdays, celebrations & more!”

From those nervous first date jitters to celebrating milestones with their children, Gringo’s has been a constant in Allison’s love story. We’re so happy to be a part of these special moments, and we look forward to serving them for many more years to come!

Shalea Willis

Our first “Love at Gringo’s” story comes from Shalea, who shared a sweet memory of her and her husband’s first date at our La Porte location back in 2016!

“My husband and I went on our first date at the La Porte Gringo’s back in 2016! Now we’re married with 2 kids and live down the road from it in Deer Park! It’s our daughter’s favorite restaurant! We always love it when we get sat in that same booth that was once a table we sat in on our first date!”

It brings us joy to hear how Gringo’s has been a part of Shalea’s family’s journey, from that special first date to creating new memories with their children. We’re so glad that Gringo’s holds a special place in their hearts (and stomachs!).

Thank you for sharing your story, Shalea! We wish you and your family many more happy memories at Gringo’s. ❤️