HOUSTON - Many Houstonians are with heavy hearts regarding the death of Guadalupe "Don Lupe" Camarena, 92, co-founder of Arandas Bakery's Airline Location.
His passing was confirmed by his family and the company on June 26.
Recommended Videos
Don Lupe started from humble beginnings. As the firstborn of a family of nine, he migrated to Houston Texas, and established Taquerias Arandas in 1981.
KPRC 2'S RESTAURANT COVERAGE
By 1990, he grew the restaurant supply chain to 10 locations. After starting those restaurants, his son noticed the lack of Mexican bakeries(panaderías) which encouraged the opening of Arandas Bakery in 1993.
Don Lupe will be remembered for his generosity, strong work ethic, and his highly ethical and assertive leadership skills.
Lupe was a man who started with a goal in mind looking to achieve his life dreams to achieve the American Dream by creating a household name and outstanding reputation.
SEE ALSO: 'More Trill Burgers to the world': Texas rap legend Bun B talks about first year after opening Houston burger joint 🍔
The Camarena Family said that greatly appreciate the incredible team at the Houston Methodist Hospital for all the care they provided him in his last years. Additionally, employees from Houston Fire Station 30 gave thanks to those who cared for him in his last moments.
Below is the full statement from Arandas Bakery:
"We're deeply saddened to share that our patriarch Don Lupe Camarena passed away yesterday. He will be missed by his employees, friends, customers and family. We know many have shared wonderful memories with him since our bakery first opened in 1993. Don Lupe instilled a strong work ethic in us and a strong desire to fulfill his life goal of achieving the American Dream. He first started his migration to the USA working in the Brasero Program to help in raising his family of 9. His first born, our founder Don Jose Camarena, then migrated to Houston, TX and started Taquerias Arandas in 1981. As the restaurant chain quickly grew to 10 stores by 1990, his son quickly noticed the lack of Mexican Sweet Pastries (Pan Dulce) in Houston that can only be found in Mexican Panaderías (Bakeries). So, in 1993 he decided to open Arandas Bakery so that his father could be his own proprietor. What originally started as a small bakery to supply their own restaurants quickly grew to the now expansive 6 locations. Even though we say farewell to him today, we have faith that one day we will be reunited with him. John 11:25-26''
"Nos da mucha tristeza en tener que compartirles que nuestro patriarca Don Lupe Camarena falleció ayer. Sus empleados, amigos, clientes y familia le extrañarán mucho. Muchos compartieron buenas memorias con el cuándo se abrió la panadería en 1993. Don Lupe inculcó una fuerte ética de trabajo en nosotros y un gran deseo en cumplir su objetivo en la vida de lograr el Sueño Americano. El primero migró a los EEUU trabajando en las piscas en el programa de los braceros para aportar en el desarrollo de su familia de 9. Su primogénito, el señor Don José Camarena nuestro fundador luego migró a Houston, TX y estableció Taquerias Arandas en 1981. Para 1990, la cadena de restaurantes creció rápidamente a 10 localidades, su hijo rápidamente se dio cuenta de la falta de panaderías mexicanas en Houston. Entonces en 1993 el decidió abrir Arandas Bakery para que su papa fuera su propio empresario. Lo que originalmente fue creado como una panadería para surtir a sus restaurantes, creció a 6 localidades de hoy en día. Aunque nos despedimos de él hoy, sabemos en fe que un día lo volveremos a ver. Juan 11:25-26''