Maria Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo, or as most people referred to her, Mama Ninfa, was an iconic Houston restaurateur. Her popular handheld sizzling steak taco, the now infamous Taco al Carbon, launched her small tortilla factory into a restaurant empire in Houston, and forever changed the Mexican food landscape with the Taco al Carbon now featured in restaurants throughout the U.S.

Mama Ninfa dedicated her life to providing a strong future not just for her family, but within the Hispanic community in Houston’s East End by her continued service throughout her lifetime. She was a Founding Board Member of the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA), Board Member-Houston Hispanic Forum, Board Member-Houston Metro Authority, named “Business Woman of the Year” by the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Ninfa Laurenzo Early Childhood Center in Houston ISD is named in her honor.

Mama Ninfa was a very generous and loving individual who lent an ear and a hug, and offered a job and a hot meal to numerous people, many of whom are now successful business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, and artists.

“ Mi Casa es Su Casa”

Food was an expression of home, family, and love for Mama Ninfa, and anyone who was blessed to have been in her presence was embraced by her endearment and warmth.

The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund honors the heart of Mama Ninfa, providing scholarships to young, underserved, high-achieving students. The Scholarship Fund was created to empower and strengthen Houston’s youth with lifelong learning. Donations will directly support the educational endeavors of these students who are poised to change the world.