Our Story

The Origin

It all started when our doors opened by Magdalena “Elena” Rangel & Meliton “Don Meli” Rangel in 1992. The two of them together had a strong love for their style of traditional authentic Mexican food.

Don Meli made his journey to the United States in the 1960s. While in the U.S., working as a cook at the El Fenix restaurant. That’s where he fell for the pretty waitress, Elena, who had no interest in him but he was determined to make her his. Don Meli was madly in love with Elena. The two built a family and then later Don Meli had a vision and dream of creating a space for everyone. So came the restaurant in 1992, named after the love of her life. Don Meli always expressed that he “didn’t work to be a millionaire, he worked to see a smile on his customers. He told stories and jokes and cooked whatever his customers had a craving for.” Don Meli was a phenomenal cook, and a phenomenal companion.

He would sit with his customers and talk with them all the time. He could tell you his customer’s favorite home-cooked meal, where they were born, and how many times they’ve moved, making them feel like they’re part of the family. The Rangel family now continues with his legacy in a second generation and make you feel as if he’s still in the kitchen prepping your food, and will continue for as long as we possibly can.

The Rangel family and staff welcome you to our home, inviting you to come and be a part of our Elenas Taqueria family.