Ricardo Godinez and his brother Miguel Godinez with Cocina Don Miguel in Norman Oklahoma

Cocina Don Miguel is a small family restaurant in Norman Oklahoma. It's run by three brothers who are cooks. The two brothers that were available for photos the day I visited are: Ricardo Godinez and Miguel Godinez. Both are from Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. Ricardo moved to Oklahoma when he was fourteen years old. Miguel has about twenty six years living in Oklahoma.

The restaurant is fairly new, it opened around October ninth of twenty fourteen. In fact, I saw an unfinished painting of a Dolores Hidalgo cathedral pending completion.

I asked Ricardo if Cocina Don Miguel represents the American dream for him. He replied “yes, the American dream is about improving your economic outlook, help people, and create jobs. It's not all about ourselves is also about helping others.”

Ricardo Godinez and his brother Miguel Godinez with Cocina Don Miguel in Norman, Oklahoma. November 9, 2014

Ricardo Godinez with Cocina Don Miguel in Norman, Oklahoma. November 9, 2014

Olivia Medina with Villanueva Restaurant in Waco Texas

Driving on South eighteenth street in Waco Texas, I found Villanueva Mexican Restaurant. The owner is Olivia Medina, she is originally from Zacatecas, Zacatecas and has lived twenty years in Waco. Before founding Villanueva Mexican Restaurant, she worked for eleven years at a restaurant that was not her own.

She's very proud of having opened up her own business. However she's not sure about associating her restaurant with the American dream. “A lo mejor si” “Maybe” she said “I still have a long way to go” The restaurant was about to turn three years old at the time of our interview.

Olivia Medina with Villanueva Restaurant in Waco, Texas. November 7, 2014

Olivia Media with Villanueva Restaurant in Waco, Texas. November 7, 2014