Old Mexican Inn Restaurant: A Tale of History and Tradition

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By Kris Smith, Publisher

Known as a Corsicana staple for generations, the Old Mexican Inn Restaurant and Cantina continues to solidify their position in Navarro County’s culinary offerings.

The original owners, Julius I and Caroline Flores, had a vision that has remained true from their first location in 1941, near Allyn Park, where they remained until 1953. The restaurant was housed on the first floor of the historic Southern Hotel. The first day offered enchilada plates, delicacies that would have customers waiting in line for hours.
With the popularity at that time of the Mexican Inn, the Flores family purchased a location near US Hwy 75, previously known in the history of Corsicana as the Corsican Restaurant, near what is now known as Heritage Park. With the purchase of this location, The Mexican Inn No. 2 was born. Although the second location was a tremendous success, in 1949, faulty wiring caused a fire, and the building was never rebuilt to its previous glory.

At this time, the restaurant was relocated to a building in downtown Corsicana, which is known as the Black Jack McCanless Saloon location, until 1962.
During the times of segregation, Julius, Sr. would have a table set up in the back for many African Americans who would frequent both the Allyn Park and downtown locations.
In 1965, for the final time, the restaurant was moved to their current location. Many changes have been made since this move, but the service and offerings have remained steadfast.

In 1969, Julius II and his wife Mary moved back to Corsicana to take over the family business. After the death of his father, Julius II made the decision to amend the name of the popular establishment to the Corsicana staple we all know today – The Old Mexican Inn Restaurant.

Introducing customers to their signature Fajitas in 1981, the dish is still served as it was then – served sizzling in a skillet on your table. Co-owner and daughter of the junior Flores’, Danica Flores Wooley stated, “I remember the servers having to teach customers how to eat the fajitas.”

Served at each table as customers arrive, the signature OMI Orange Dip as it colloquially known, the official name is The Mexican Inn Salad Dressing. The often imitated, but never duplicated appetizer is as popular as the other deliciousness served at this location. Originally made daily by Julius, Sr., the recipe is protected by the Flores family line. In 1973, Julius II took control of the recipe until its transfer to son, Jeff in 2017, who continues to construct the Corsicana staple each day.

The restaurant has seen it’s firsts along the way – the first restaurant to play ambience music in their dining rooms, the first to have indoor air conditioning, and served the first frozen margaritas – still using the same recipe since receiving their private club liquor license in 1985. On December 26, 1985, the ‘Cantina’ was officially open to the public – made at a small bar located on the east side of the building, just past the dining room. A small bar that is a fraction of the size of the one you see today – which is still located on the premises.

In 1987, plans began to add to the building to create the bar area to accommodate its growing customer base – officially opening to the public on February 1, 1988. Now, the Old Mexican Inn possesses a liquor license, without the Private Club restrictions.

Danica Flores Woolley has seen many celebrities enter the doors of OMI – including the visit of American Pickers’ Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe. She also spoke of a visit from legendary country musician Marty Stuart and even a visit by Manny Ramirez, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. Courtesy Photo

When asked about the top five dishes served at OMI – the collective answers begin with Jeff’s Cheese Enchilada Dinner and Julio’s Shrimp Enchiladas, a favorite of Julius of his own design. Coming in behind are the sizzling Fajitas, Danica’s Special Burrito, and the Fajita Nachos.

A full bar is available from open to close, a few fan favorite cocktails were specially made by the late Phillip Mesker, a 28-year OMI veteran, who was easily spotted as you dined on your favorite dishes.

In 2023 after the windstorm events, the sign was replaced, and plans were being made to begin reconstruction of the landscape and front of the building, adding to the exterior lighting and entrance to the facility. The construction of the updates should be completed in the coming weeks. Originally, the idea was to include an upgrade to the public restrooms in the main dining room of the restaurant, however, those plans have been put on hold until further plans could be addressed.

The tradition of service also continues through veteran OMI employees like Juan, Angel and Maria, who has worked in the kitchen for more than 3 decades, and Miguel and Leigh who has been a server for 22 years.