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Maria’s Diner, a Tex-Mex staple in Groves for over a decade, is celebrating its brand-new location in Nederland with a ribbon cutting. 

Owner Maria Dumesnil said the decision to open a second location came naturally. 

“We already had so many customers coming from Port Neches, Nederland, and Beaumont that will come to Groves to eat with us,” she said. “We had opportunity for a spot right off the feeder road, it was a great location —more traffic, and it would be a great start.”

Despite the challenges that can come with expansion, Dumesnil described the process as smooth. 

“Besides getting the building ready and getting all the equipment in, it wasn’t too hard,” she explained. “Because we already had a business running, it went kinda smooth.”

Maria’s Diner has built a loyal following since opening its original location in 2011, and even before that, Dumesnil ran a Mexican restaurant in the area starting in 2007. That longstanding relationship with the community has proven to be a strong foundation. 

“People already know our food,” Dumesnil said. “My daughter used to dance in Beaumont, and I’d bring food to events—so even people there know my cooking.”

The new location opens its doors as early as 4 a.m., a move Dumesnil made intentionally to serve refinery workers and others working odd hours. “Some of them are just getting off at 5 a.m. and want a breakfast or dinner at that time. We’ve got an open menu all day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at any time.”

Dumesnil says the support from the community has been overwhelming and always makes an effort to stay open regardless of weather or holidays.

The Nederland location is located at 1203 South US 69 and is open 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.