Much like the Tejano icons that line its walls, Hi-Ho Restaurant is an institution in Corpus Christi. In a time dominated by the brunch and foodie cultural waves, locals appreciate the tried-and-true spirit of this well-loved establishment.
Operating on Morgan Street since 1981, original owner Tommy Dalton named the restaurant “Hi-Ho” to reflect the working class backgrounds of its patrons, many of whom stop by for a quick bite on the way to work or on lunch breaks. Current owners Lupe, Maria and Rick Garcia have carried the torch of tradition and community at Hi-Ho since 2010 with a dedication to seamlessness and consistency, choosing to stick with the restaurant’s name, menu items and staff.
Despite a bustling, busy dining room that has expanded over the years to meet the sheer volume of daily regulars, the atmosphere doesn’t feel rushed, with some diners coming in for a short break while others chat for hours over coffee and breakfast. “People come here to mingle with each other,” owner Rick Garcia said. “They’ll visit for a while together, or with me [or] with the staff.” Cultivating an environment that caters as much to the feeling of community as to people’s appetite, Garcia says, is the recipe to the success and longevity the restaurant has achieved in its tenure.
The unseen hand behind the food is cook Irma Solano, who has lent her enduring recipes and culinary talents to Hi-Ho’s kitchen since the very beginning. “Irma’s cooking has a lot of love in it,” said restaurant manager Ben Poncedeleon. “Her food is the foundation of this place. Rick takes all the stress to make this place run smoothly; all of us together are the gears and oil.”
It’s no mystery how Hi-Ho has played host to many cultural icons over the years, including Selena Quintanilla Pérez, Edward James Olmos, George Lopez and spades of other household names. Its food has been recognized throughout the state for its blend of traditional northern Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, from the local favorite carne guisada to the Texas Monthly spotlighted Suicide taco—an indulgent, flavorful amalgamation of eggs, bacon, chorizo, refried beans, potato and cheese…