COMMUNITY
 Marcos Magaña |
September 2005
(Read the previous stories in the series.)
Marcos Magaña’s family was originally from Mexico before they moved to Union City, California. When the steel mill where his father worked was shut down, his family moved to Virginia. Marcos went to work with his cousins at the Mexican restaurant they owned in Williamsburg. Marcos continued there for two years before opening his own restaurant in Waldorf — La Tolteca — which is owned jointly by Marcos and his father. The restaurant has been operating for four years and is also staffed by Marcos’ father, cousin, mother, and sister.
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Hispanics own only about six percent of non-farm businesses in the United States and three percent in Maryland. But Marcos and his family have definitely carved out a niche for themselves: La Tolteca draws many regular customers, some of whom come in several times a week. Plenty of first-time customers are drawn by word of mouth and by the allure of authentic Mexican cuisine promised by the painted storefront and signage.
Diners are not disappointed — the recipes used to create the entrees served there have been passed on through the family for years. “Waldorf welcomed us with open arms,” says Marcos. “We have a lot of walk-ins, and we do almost no advertising. It’s been terrific.”
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Marcos plans to open a La Plata location of La Tolteca in October. The new restaurant will be 4,800 square feet — more than double the size of the original. Marcos estimates he and his father will need to hire 15 or so additional employees.
La Tolteca is located at 2708 Crain Highway in Waldorf. To contact the restaurant, call 301-705-5353.