When Ruben and Elvira met, it was love at first sight.
They married right before Ruben left to serve our nation in WWII. While Ruben was overseas, Elvira honed her entrepreneurial skills back at home in Dallas. Her parents Toribio and Elena Portugal owned a popular restaurant & bar in Little Mexico called “La Rumba” and they shared their experience working in the food business with their daughter. Elena was a renowned chef, known for recipes, and she also worked as a beloved cook at El Fenix.
Ruben returned from WWII as a decorated war hero with two purple hearts and a bronze star. He fought for his country, he fought for his fellow soldiers, and he fought to come home to his love, Elvira.
Elvira and Ruben Leal opened Dallas Tortilla and Tamale Factory in 1950. They took great pride in the food they produced for their loyal customers in “Little Mexico”. Elvira and Ruben worked hard to realize their dream of being business owners and providing for their families. Their hard work paid off, because 70 years later, we still have the great pleasure of serving hand-made, high quality Mexican foods to our customers.
Mexican style tamales have become our specialty.
Keeping the tradition alive is our life.
70 years strong
Ruben Leal, Jr. (Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory in Oak Cliff)
Ruben and Elvira’s sons Ruben Jr., Jesse, Edward and Matias keep the Leal family legacy alive by serving our beloved customers. Ruben Leal Jr., has led the family business for over 40 years. He made it his passion and life’s mission to continue the family business and thanks to his loyalty and hard work, we’re able to proudly serve you and your family “Mama Elvira’s Original Tamales” every Christmas, for over 70 years.
Mama Elvira’s Original Tamales
PORK
BEEF
CHICKEN
Pork Jalapeño
