Lopez de Mexico

In the early 1900’s, Enrique Lopez came to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico, he was only 8 years old. He came with his family hoping for a better life in America. Elena Vallejo was born in Horton, Kansas after her family had only been in the U. S. for a year. Many Mexican families settled in “Little Mexico” of Horton to work for the Rock Island Railroad.

Enrique and Elena were married in 1934 and are more locally known as Henry & Helen Lopez. Henry became a crane operator at the local Atchison, KS foundry while Helen was a homemaker, raised seven children and held various jobs. They both were strong in faith & great cooks especially with fresh foods from their garden.

In 1995, this restaurant opened to present the food, culture and music of the Lopez & Vallejo families. It is a family business, family owned, family operated and family loved. It is under the personal care of a family member, guaranteeing the reputation the family has earned for treating the customers "like part of the family."

Helping to complete the family's recipe of success is the personal atmosphere and warm welcome from familiar employees. Many employees such as food servers and kitchen help, have been working for the family since almost the beginning. Thank you, long-time employees, for your loyalty and commitment to the Lopez family! Equally important are you, the customers, who have been coming to Lopez de Mexico since it opened. Some of you have met here, fallen in love, mar