The owner/founder of Don Jose Mexican restaurant is Jose Nicolas Lopez-Mendoza born 9/29/1951 in Peru. He came to the United States in 1982 where he found work and later became a US citizen.

Jose, living and working as a manager in OKC, decided it was time for him to open a business of his own. Jose loved cooking and that was the way that he showed love to everyone, by feeding their bellies with delicious food. Jose, working in the restaurant industry for many years, decided to open his first Don Jose’s in Marlow, ok in 1992. Don Jose means (Mr Jose’s) also known now as DJ’s because of his kids changing it.

It was a hit when he opened in Marlow with a 2 hour wait time to get in everyday. So 8 months later, he moved Don Jose to Duncan, OK where it is today. Later, in 2000 he decided to open one more in Wichita Falls, TX. He did try to open a couple in Lawton and Comanche, OK but it closed down after a few years. Jose is married to Liliana J Lopez and has 8 kids.

Kids: Andy, Pily, Piero, Nico jr, Antonio, Renzo, John and Steve Lopez. Jose wanted to have a family owned business and wanted to make fabulous dishes at affordable prices. His passion was cooking and he was one of the best chefs around texoma. Jose N. Lopez passed away 01/23/2019 due to a heart attack but he left his wife and boys prepared to continue to grow Don Jose’s. Liliana now is the owner and Antonio is the VP of the businesses, Nico is the GM of the Texas store, with Pily working at the Texas store and John helping in Texas as well. The other kiddos are doing what they love.