Historic Laredo

PELICAN’S
WHARF
Pelican’s Wharf has been a landmark and
dining tradition since its founding in 1981.
A full-service restaurant and bar, it features
quality seafood and steaks along with a
varied selection of delicious entrees and appetizers.
The bar opens daily with a “happy
hour” from five to eight. Wine list and liquor
selections range from affordable tothe most
discriminating tastes.
Current owners, Mille Theis and George
Martinez have played critical roles in creating
such a well received restaurant and lounge.
Both began waiting tables at the restaurant
when it opened. Within three months, Theis
was promoted to manager. Within six months,
she was an operating partner. In 1986, Theis
and Martinez, along with the Herring Group,
purchased the restaurant from Pelican’s
Wharf, Inc. The Herring Group sold their
interests to a silent partner in 1990. Successful
management has twice won Theis the award
of Laredo Restaurateur of the Year, in 1988
and 1996.
Martinez was promoted to headwaiter and
within a year was the manager in charge of
maintaining quality control in the kitchen.
Martinez is no longer involved in the day-to-day
operation of the restaurant, leaving in 1994 to
pursue other interests.
With revenues well over $1 million
annually, Pelican’s Wharf boasts an employee
roster of 44, many of whom have been with the
establishment for over 10 years. Pelican’s Wharf
has been a training ground for many of Laredo’s
youth, allowing them to work while completing
high school or college. Tuition assistance is
made available to qualifying employees.
“We’re proud of the hundreds of youths who
have come here for their first job,” said Theis.
“We enable them to stay in school. We work
around their school schedules so they don’t
work too many hours.”
Noted for its community involvement,
Pelican’s Wharf frequently donates in-kind services
for many organizations.
Pelican’s Wharf is located at 4119 San Dario
Avenue, Laredo, Texas 78041, 956-727-5070.
98 ✦ HISTORIC LAREDO