From left to right: Mico Rodriguez, Jose Ramirez, Ray Quintanilla and Jaxson Ramirez. Photography by Amani Sodiq.
Dallas Tex-Mex icon Michael “Mico” Rodriguez died overnight between Thursday, Oct. 1, and Friday, Oct. 2. He was 68.
Ray Quintanilla, Rodriguez’s business partner and longtime friend, confirmed his death in a text message Friday.
Rodriguez was best known for Mi Cocina, the Tex-Mex restaurant he launched in 1991 at Preston Forest Village. The concept helped establish a more elevated style of Tex-Mex dining in Dallas.
His latest restaurant venture was Cinco Cocinas Food Nation on Maple Avenue, where he partnered with Quintanilla to purchase the building.
JJ’s Cafe owner and chef Jose Ramirez partnered with the pair earlier this year.
“Next time you eat elevated Tex-Mex food in Dallas, remember Mico Rodriguez was a pioneer of it,” Ramirez said in a text message.
Quintanilla, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Rodriguez, said Rodriguez’s appearance in the August issue of Lake Highlands Advocate was one of his last appearances.
“We came from humble beginnings but [succeeded],” Quintanilla said in a text message. “He was meticulous and had an attention to detail. I will miss my dear friend.”
