El Fenix Mexican Restaurant history

Denton's first public library opened on June 6, 1937, in Denton County Courthouse.

In 1941, Faustina Martinez, wife of Miguel Martinez, became a citizen of the United States.

Six years later, in 1947, Miguel followed suit and also became a citizen.

El Fenix Oak Cliff opened its doors in March, 1948.

Denton's first public library opened on June 6, 1937, in Denton County Courthouse. It quickly outgrew the space and in 1949, the City of Denton donated a tract of land on Oakland Street for a new library.

In the Mid-1950’s, the famous Enchilada Wednesday Special was born.

When Miguel "Mike" Martinez died in 1956, his legacy to Dallas was the gift of Tex-Mex.

The dish featured two hand-rolled Enchiladas made with Wisconsin Cheddar, rice & beans – all for only 65 cents, or half-price, staying that price all the way through the 1960’s.

In 1981, El Fenix opened a new restaurant in Addison, conveniently located right off the tollway, at Beltline and Montfort.

In 1989, the Plano location arrived just in time to witness the small farming community transform into a thriving commercial, financial and educational hub for Collin County.

In the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, as it passed through Dallas, Anita Martinez is chosen to be a Torchbearer; one of the greatest honors a person can be granted.

In 2006, El Fenix is featured on Food Network’s weekly series, “The Secret Life of Tex-Mex”, aired to an international audience.

On September 16, 2008, in celebration of their milestone 90th anniversary, El Fenix Mexican Restaurant offered their world famous Cheese Enchilada Platter for only 90 cents, at its flagship restaurant in Downtown Dallas.