Meet Dorys Tijerina And Erika Patino | Attorneys & entrepreneurs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dorys Tijerina And Erika Patino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dorys Tijerina and, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has played a huge role in opening our business. My business partner and I are both attorneys, and have demanding, full-time careers that we both love. But we also shared a dream—to open a restaurant. It was definitely a leap of faith, balancing our legal work with launching a brand-new business in an entirely different industry. But sometimes, you need a new chapter. You have to be willing to take a risk on something new. For us, opening the restaurant wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal one. Though we loved what we do, had always talked about opening a restaurant, and eventually, we decided to take the leap. It was a big shift—juggling law and launching a new business—but it gave us the chance to pursue something we’re we always thought about doing. Taking that risk wasn’t just about business; it was about embracing change and building something we believed in. And in doing so, we found a whole new kind of fulfillment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We’re two attorneys who have built our careers through dedication, long hours, and a genuine love for advocating for others. But along the way, we realized we shared another dream—creating something outside the courtroom that brought people joy and connection. That dream became Puerquitos Cafe.

Puerquitos Cafe was born from our love of food, culture, and community. Starting a restaurant while managing our legal careers definitely hasn’t been easy. There were late nights, early mornings, and plenty of moments where we had to figure things out as we went.

We’re most proud of the space we’ve created, the people we’ve met along the way, and the fact that we took a leap of faith and made this dream real. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that you don’t have to choose just one path in life. You can be a lawyer and a restaurateur. You can chase stability and take a risk.

What we want the world to know is this: Puerquitos Cafe is more than just a business—it’s our story, our culture, and our passion, shared with every plate we serve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d definitely kick off the week with breakfast or lunch at Puerquitos Cafe—of course! I’d make sure they try our tacos, burritos, tortas, and a café de olla. It’s the perfect way to start the day, with comfort food, bold flavors, and a cozy vibe.

Next, we’d head over to the Fort Worth Cultural District to visit either the Kimbell Art Museum or the Modern Art Museum. After soaking in some culture, we’d make our way to the Stockyards for some shopping and to check out Billy Bob’s Texas. For dinner, we’d stop by Maria’s on University Dr. in Fort Worth, a local favorite.

For a change of pace, we’d love to spend some time in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. It’s great for music, unique shopping, and drinks at Paradiso—a perfect spot for unwinding.

A visit to Dallas wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. With its interactive exhibits, impressive dinosaur skeletons, and hands-on activities, it’s a fun stop for science lovers and anyone wanting to learn something new. Afterward, we’d end the day with a delicious dinner at Gonzalez Restaurant on Jefferson in Dallas. Their homemade tortillas and flavorful dishes are an absolute must!

And if it’s the right season, we’d definitely have to catch a Rangers game at Globe Life Field. The energy of a live baseball game is unmatched, and if we’re in the area, we’d head over to Texas Live!, the exciting entertainment district right next to the stadium. From great food and drinks to live music, it’s the perfect spot to continue the fun after the game.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d also like to shoutout the amazing team we’ve built at the restaurant. Everyone of our staff plays a critical role in making Puerquitos Cafe what it is. They bring passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic every day, and it’s their effort that ensures we create a welcoming atmosphere for our guests. Without them, none of this would be possible, and they truly deserve recognition for their hard work and belief in our vision.

Of course, We are also incredibly grateful for our family and friends who have supported and encouraged us through everyone challenge.

Additionally, I want to recognize the wonderful customers we’ve met along the way. Their support, kind words, and even the advice they’ve shared with us have meant so much. It’s incredible how some customers have become like family, offering guidance and encouragement that has helped us grow.

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