Stephen Montoya
Vicki Cisneros
For over 40 years, Los Vaqueros has been more than just a restaurant — it has been a cornerstone of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where families have gathered for meals, celebrations, and unforgettable moments. Today, the restaurant holds a new kind of significance, embodying both the memories of the past and the promise of new beginnings, thanks to Vicki Cisneros, cofounder of Los Vaqueros and president of Cisneros Restaurants Inc.
Vicki’s journey in the restaurant business has been one of passion, perseverance, and vision. "We put our heart and soul into that building," she says, reflecting on the restaurant's previous location at 2629 N. Main St. "But sometimes, you have to step away to grow. We're proud of what we built, and we knew it was time for a new chapter."
That new chapter brought Los Vaqueros to its current home, just across the street from its second location, in the historic 1911-era Stockyards Exhibits Building. Despite the location change, the restaurant is still the same place at its core — a reflection of the values and spirit Vicki and her husband, Johnny, built it on.
After four decades of success at the iconic Main St. locale, Vicki and Johnny decided to sell the property, which had become their second home. The building, steeped in history, was in dire need of more than $5 million in renovations — an investment that the family could not take on alone.
“It was a lifetime project, but as we got older, we realized it wasn’t feasible for just the two of us,” Vicki explains. "Rather than compromising our vision, we chose to sell the property to a veteran-owned (Kentucky-based American Freedom Distillery) who shared our values and would honor its place in the Stockyards.”
The decision to sell wasn’t made lightly. The building had been a part of their lives for more than four decades, hosting countless milestones, from birthdays to proposals. But after careful consideration, Vicki and Johnny decided that the future of the restaurant lay in a new direction. The couple wasn’t ready to retire, and their love for the restaurant business remained strong.
"We're not done yet," Vicki says, adding that she and Johnny still have big dreams for Los Vaqueros.
Looking back, Vicki reflects on how she and Johnny built the business from the ground up.
"When we first started, I was working at a law firm, and I thought I'd take a short break to help my then-boyfriend, Johnny, with his family's restaurant," she recalls with a smile. "That short break turned into 42 years!"
Her deep connection to the restaurant and its community became evident as she and Johnny worked side by side with family members to build a Tex-Mex legacy. Vicki’s love for the restaurant industry and its fast-paced, creative environment helped her build something special with Johnny, who is a third-generation cook. “We didn’t just build a business; we built a family," Vicki says.
As a woman in business, Vicki’s role has evolved over the years, but her commitment to the restaurant’s success and the people who have been part of it remains unwavering. Los Vaqueros is known not just for its food but for the warmth and personal touch that Vicki and her team have cultivated over the years.
“A building doesn’t make a restaurant, people do,” she says. Her dedication to customer service and her team’s effort to go the extra mile are key to the restaurant's enduring popularity.
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs? “You have to be willing to work hard and love what you do. The restaurant business isn’t for everyone, but if you have a passion for it, you can create something truly special.” Vicki’s journey has been a testament to the power of perseverance, love for the craft, and the importance of community. As Women's History Month shines a light on powerful women in business, Vicki Cisneros stands as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing them that with dedication and a little bit of heart, dreams can truly come true.
Looking ahead, Vicki and Johnny’s legacy continues to thrive as they navigate the future of Los Vaqueros, with plans for expansion and a vision that keeps growing. “There will only ever be one original Los Vaqueros,” Vicki says, but the next chapter is just beginning.
