Young Entrepreneur Finds Bliss In Mercedes
Young Entrepreneur Finds Bliss In Mercedes
Cindy Avalos has years of experience working at restaurants of all types and at every level.
It’s in her blood.
Her parents are longtime restaurant owners and operators. Avalos began young, helping her parents with a Mexican food restaurant in her native Harlingen. It would be the start of a career working in restaurants. She would go on to work for a number of restaurants, rising to management levels at the Olive Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings.
When the time came to go out on her own as a young entrepreneur, she didn’t go to Harlingen, Weslaco or McAllen. Avalos chose Mercedes. Her stylish brunch-and-dinner style-restaurant – Bliss – can be found in downtown Mercedes and is building a following since opening earlier this year.
“Everything looks delicious,’’ said one Facebook commentator, which drew the response, “Yes and it’s in Mercedes…closer than McAllen.’’
Opening a business in a smaller market can bring more risks, but the rewards can be higher when giving a community something it is currently missing. Bliss is unlike anything Mercedes had when it came to restaurants. It was a distinction Avalos sought to reach when she opened Bliss in the spring of 2022.
“I saw something here in Mercedes, and when the opportunity came about, I took it,’’ she said. “It’s a treat for everyone that comes in. I think they appreciate having something like this here and not needing to go to Weslaco or Harlingen.’’
Deep Dishes
The Bliss food dishes look good and taste even better per all of the positive online reviews.
There’s nary a negative word to be read or heard. The array of dishes is diverse and the plate presentation is stunning in looking through the restaurant’s Facebook page. Brunch is a mainstay. There’s salsa verde eggs benedict with Canadian bacon and gooey mozzarella. Brunch nachos with a mixture of corn, black beans and salsa, topped with an over easy egg are another favorite.
For dinner, there’s creamy spinach and mushroom chicken, homemade meatloaf, and an ultimate Bliss burger with creamy pepper sauce spread over a patty topped with gooey provolone cheese and crispy bacon. There’s also a kid’s menu and desserts featuring selections like an old fashion banana split and dessert nachos of vanilla ice cream covered in cinnamon with dashes of caramel and chocolate.
It’s all made from scratch and fresh by a chef who has done it all when it comes to restaurant work. Avalos’ experience is apparent in her menu and the deep-dish quality of her selections.
“Love that everything is homemade and delicious and with a variety of foods,’’ Mikeal Martinez said in an online review. “Different entrees are added so it’s something different each time! Love supporting local businesses! What’s not to love? 10/10!’’
“I love what I do,’’ Avalos said on a Facebook post. “I cook from the heart everyday as if I was feeding my own family.’’
Warm Welcome
Then there’s the welcome Avalos said she has received in Mercedes.
“The mayor has come be to eat here and to thank me for opening a business in Mercedes,’’ she said. “You appreciate that sort of welcome.’’
Avalos said her customers are appreciative and positive when they dine at the Bliss on 316 W. 3rd Street.
“Everyone here is so patient from a customer’s perspective as we prepare the dishes,’’ she said. “I appreciate everyone that has come in and tried my delicious food.’’
Bliss is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ricardo D. Cavazos