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Wearing many hats while earning belts, Alexis Garcia occupies his hole-in-the-wall tienda in Farmers Branch.
This summer, Garcia, 26, celebrated the second anniversary of local eatery La Michoacana DTX2, also known as Michoacana, at 12879 Josey Lane, Suite 125.
Although he spends most of his days at the store, his alter ego also trains as a professional fighter. He won the Professional Featherweight Champion title of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on Apr 18 and will defend his title on Oct. 17 in southwest Kansas.
Garcia followed in his mother’s footsteps and purchased his own Michoacana franchise after his mom’s successful 20-year run of her tienda in Kansas. Garcia’s family owns three Michoacana tiendas in Dallas, three in Kansas and two in Oklahoma. Now Garcia raises his daughter, keeping the legacy alive, exemplifying how he maintains an organized work-life balance.
Professional MMA fighting is Garcia’s alter-ego. He started wrestling when he was 5 years old and blossomed into a rewarding fighting career with eight fights and three belts won as an amateur. He turned professional around 21 years old and now displays his championship belt over the refrigerator in his store.
Employees and patrons boast about Garcia.
His employee, Daniela Rivera, said, “My boss is very kind… and he always tries to help us… I like the way that he talks to [the customers].” She said he treats his employees like family. Rivera recommends everything on the menu because the flavors are so authentic.
Multiple customers said the staff at the tienda are friendly and patient.
Andrea Pavia and Meagan Reynolds both said they pick up their kids from school, head to Michoacana for treats, practice their Spanish with staff and then play at Joya Park which is conveniently located near Michoacana.
“I feel like especially Farmers Branch being so predominantly Hispanic, if people find out that this place is here, they’re gonna come. They just need to be told,” Pavia said.
Reynolds said she likes to order an off-the-menu ice cream option chamoyada de limón a sweet, sour and spicy slushie made with fresh lime juice, ice, sugar and chamoy.
John Paul (JP), 15, said he liked the ice cream basket/canasta because the waffle bowl came in a Styrofoam bowl and it is not messy like the cone. The basket is “the best of both worlds,” JP said.
Elliot, 8, said he loved the ice cream, while Milo, 3, gave two thumbs up and flashed a wide grin when asked if he liked his chocolate-covered banana.
Evelyn Rojas and her daughter, Emma, 9, said they enjoyed the lime agua frescas on their first visit. They said they look forward to bringing Emma’s grandparents when they come to visit from Mexico. Next time, Rojas said she will try the corn in the cup.
Garcia said the flavors in the store reflect the authenticity of Michoacan, Mexico. He mixes the agua frescas daily and ice cream weekly; savory menu options are also available.
Currently, there is no loyalty program, but Garcia said there is one in the works. Customers will have the opportunity to buy 10 popsicles and get the 11th free. The tienda also offers free samples of the agua frescas and house-made ice creams. Patrons can turn to social media for updates on new flavors and discounts.
Michocana is open noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Follow on Instagram @lamichoacanadtx2, TikTok @lamichoacanadtx02 and Facebook @dtxlamichoacana2.
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