
Although Las Delicias (or Las D’s, as the locals call it) is family owned, they do offer three locations - Mendenhall, Park and Quince. The Park location, however, is where college kids, businessmen and families can be found enjoying the homemade salsa and freshly fried corn tortilla chips.
Antonio Martinez said he manages to keep people of all ages and backgrounds coming to Las D’s although he said he does nothing special. “They feel comfortable and just come back. That’s amazing to me. And I like it that way.”
“Everything you order, we cook it right at the moment, even if it’s something as small as guacamole, we open the avocado as soon as you order it, that makes a difference. Even our other products like meat or milk, we get those on a daily basis,” Martinez said.
Las D’s is also known for their freshly fried corn tortilla chips.
“We make our own corn tortillas, we cut them and fry them…its no secret, it’s just freshness!” said Martinez.
Customers can buy bags of these fresh tortilla chips inside any of the three restaurant locations and at local farmers markets.
All of his menu items are based on recipes that are known and popular in Mexico. Martinez did not adjust his food to be like Tex-Mex or anything that wasn’t genuine Mexican cuisine.
“Everybody says we’re authentic, I’m not going to say it, but the customers will tell you different,” said Martinez.
College students not only keep coming back for delicious food, but also for great prices. University of Memphis graduate, Shellie Epperson, goes to Las Delicias once a week for the chicken nachos and guacamole.
“The food is so cheap and fresh, you can’t get anything better anywhere else,” said Epperson.
Martinez says that his pricing is very reasonable and he has kept it that way for years. Las Delicias does not offer any happy hours or drink specials because Martinez says they are like Wal-Mart, “Always low prices."
Las Delicias relates to the University District because Martinez employs his whole family. His wife, three sons, and extended family members all work at Las D’s. When a customer comes into the restaurant, they will see friendly, familiar faces.
Martinez doesn’t plan to open any more locations just yet; he would rather establish and balance the current restaurants. Las Delicias is open Monday-Saturday 11am to 9pm.