Twenty years ago, Jay and Anna Ortiz left their restaurant industry jobs behind to pursue their dreams and open their own restaurant — Anamia’s Tex-Mex, named after Anna and their daughter Mia, on Sandy Lake Road in Coppell. That restaurant became so popular that people had to wait inside the door (there really was no proper waiting area) or outside on the sidewalk for a table. Eventually, Jay and Anna moved their restaurant to the larger space it currently occupies.

Their first success led to others, and, today, there are four Anamia’s Tex-Mex locations, with more on the way. But Jay Ortiz has not forgotten his roots, or the loyal customers that made Anamia’s Tex-Mex possible. You will still find him in the dining room or the kitchen supporting the teams that make the restaurants great. Many menu items are named for family members, employees, and longtime restaurant friends.

People love what Jay and Anna have created. Jay explains: “We are not a chain; we are family owned and operated — but we are professional. We’re more than a mom-and-pop. We serve our guests with the highest quality, best tasting Tex-Mex around. We keep our dining rooms casual, yet upscale and contemporary, because that is where our guests are most comfortable.

“We are passionate about food, drinks, and hospitality. We are part of the community — we know our guests, and they know us. We are proud to be successful, and we know that success comes from serving people great food with outstanding hospitality at a reasonable price. We are grateful for the opportunities our guests have given us — letting us lead the way for Tex-Mex in the communities we serve.”