Leo Lara, account executive, is passionate about De Alba Bakery.

“Ever since I’ve been working here, we’ve seen a lot of changes with great things going on. I love working with people who have a passion and a cause,” he said.

Grandma Garza started the business in 1959 with a tortilleria. Ready to call it quits in 1992, her daughter Dora and son-in-law Uriel De Alba convinced her they needed to fight for the business. Putting their hearts and souls into De Alba Bakery, they succeeded. Today there are four locations in McAllen, Mission, Pharr and Edinburg, with the De Alba’s daughter AnaBeth in the executive chair.

“The parents and AnaBeth don’t do anything without the three of them getting together, synergizing and looking for the best overall interest.” Lara’s enthusiasm is obvious. “They started with just tortillas, then moved to pastries and mastered that. The owners are detailed oriented, watching closely how the items are made, and never compromise on quality. They want to stand by a product which is going to speak for itself.”

Adding on to their line, they now offer award-winning tamales along with artistic, luscious cakes. Preparing for major re-branding at all four stores starting in October, they
will add Mexican oriented coffee bars, cold food bars, custom high-end pastries and aguas de frutas, plus setting up family dining areas at each location.

Besides food, the De Albas have a passion for helping others, human or animal. For the non-profit, United for Paws, they collect and donate funds to spay or neuter the animals of the Valley, helping to control the over-population.

For children, De Alba supports Joy for Angels, and it a major contributor in a drive to give the underprivileged in Mexico toys at Christmas. A total of $14,000 in toys were distributed last year.

“I love companies that say, “We’re not just going to get but we’re going to give. We’re going to make a difference,” Lara said.

Unquestionably, he’s found his fit in this growing, dynamic company.~