Más Barbecue in Buda: Valentina's opens

BUDA — The wait is over.

The wildly popular Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ restaurant made its opening official with a ribbon cutting Wednesday, June 21 at the Buda Mill & Grain Co.

Jennifer Storm, executive director of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, called it an historic day and thanked Valentina’s for joining the Buda business community.

“We’re really proud to be a part of this and helping it come to life,” said Storm. “Thank you, guys, for picking Buda and making this your home.”

Valentina's owners Miguel and Modesty Vidal made a $2 million capital investment for the brick-and-mortar location, along with a $513,000 incentive from the Buda Economic Development Corporation.

Their new space totals 6,500 square feet with enough room for approximately 200 diners.

“We’re super proud to have Valentina’s come to our city,” said Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. “We’ve worked hard to build up our Main Street; this is exciting.”

Valentina’s moved from its food trailer location on Manchaca Road in Austin to its new digs located at 308 Main St., Ste. 101.

“Years ago, when we decided to open a restaurant, we sent photos of potential lots and locations to our architect,” co-owner Modesty Vidal said in a press release. “Turns out, we shared a photo of this exact space [at Buda Mill and Grain]. We honestly never thought it’d be possible. Now, here we are!”

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ will employ 75-100 people. The lease is signed for at least 10 years with plans to stay forever.

“I'm not the best BBQ-er. I'm not the best boss. But everything I do comes from the heart,” Miguel said.