Family-Driven Papa’s Cantina Brings Authentic Mexican Flavors to Downtown Graford

Story by Michelle Ince | Photos by Erika Carter

The Zarate family is ready to serve you their made from scratch menu items in Graford, Texas

Downtown Graford is now the home to a new Mexican restaurant with deep family values called Papa’s Cantina, which has been open since April and already is racking up great reviews.

For Rosa Ramirez and Robert Zarate, the idea behind Papa’s Cantina was inspired by family. The couple came to Graford in 2023 from Houston and enrolled the two youngest of their four children in the Graford school district. Their two older children had already graduated from high school.

“The reason we decided to open Papa’s Cantina was to build something our whole family could be a part of,” Ramirez said. “Our older kids chose a different path than our internet technology business, and this gave us an opportunity to create something together. Everyone plays a role, from our older kids who are still figuring out their next steps, to our younger ones who are learning the value of hard work at an early age. It’s more than a restaurant to us; it’s a family dream in motion.”

However, getting the idea off the ground all had to do with timing.

Ramirez said she and Zarate heard in 2024 that the space had become available, but it already was under lease by the time they inquired about it. When they heard this past November that the space was available for lease again, they didn’t waste any time in snatching it up.

Ramirez said it took months to get the restaurant set up the way the family wanted and to make sure all the dishes are correctly prepared. She said all the menu items are made from scratch, so it does take a little extra time to make a meal – but she added that it’s worth the wait.

“Our experience so far has been incredibly rewarding, but also a lot of hard work,” she said. “We’ve had some great moments and a few hiccups along the way, which we’re continuing to learn from every day. We’re truly grateful for the support and patience from our community, and we’re fully committed to improving and making this the best experience possible for everyone who walks through our doors.”

Papa’s Cantina is open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, and is closed on Tuesdays. Orders can be submitted online at papascantina.com