About Us

A Tribute to Our Mother, A Celebration of Our Roots

We’re Joel and Fernando—brothers, combat veterans, and lifelong Polk County residents—and we opened Margarita’s Cocina Mexicana as a heartfelt tribute to the woman who shaped our love for food and family: our mother, Margarita.

Growing up in a hardworking migrant family, we moved with the seasons—working the fields in Indiana and New York during the summer, and the Florida orange groves the rest of the year. Through it all, our mother’s cooking was the constant that brought us together. Her food wasn’t just delicious—it was comforting, authentic, and full of soul. It told the story of where we came from and reminded us that no matter how hard the workday was, we were rich in tradition and family.

Margarita’s Cocina Mexicana is our way of honoring her legacy. Every dish on the menu is inspired by the meals she lovingly made for us growing up. From her street-style tacos to her slow-cooked meats and homemade salsas, this restaurant is more than a business—it’s a tribute to a lifetime of flavor and resilience.

After serving together in the U.S. Army and returning to civilian life, we knew we wanted to create something that reflected who we are and where we came from. With the same dedication and discipline we learned in the military—and later, running restaurants—we built Margarita’s Cocina Mexicana to feel like home for every guest who walks through the doors.

We believe great food should bring people together, and that’s exactly what our mom’s cooking always did. So come in, relax, and enjoy the dishes that defined our childhood and continue to inspire us today.

Welcome to Margarita’s, where every plate tells a story.

— Joel & Fernando