A Plano Mexican restaurant that was on the verge of shutting down last month is now drawing crowds after the owner’s teenage daughter posted a social media appeal that went viral.

Sazon De Loa, located at 3421 Renner Road in Plano, is owned by chef Rafael De Loa. His 15-year-old daughter, Leslie De Loa, turned to TikTok with a direct request for customers to support the family business.

“My family’s business needs help,” Leslie said in the video. “We do have a small business here in Plano, Texas, but we’re not getting any attraction at all. I’m here to see if we can get any attraction. My dad has worked very, very hard. … So please come enjoy some food, some tequila, some Mexican cuisine, and we’ll be here waiting for you all.”

The message gained traction after TikTok user “Bucky Wild Child,” who has more than 110,000 followers, visited the restaurant and shared the experience online. Foot traffic surged in the days that followed.

Customers Respond

By Thursday lunch, the dining room was full, with patrons saying they made the trip specifically because of the viral post.

“I saw the TikTok and said OK let’s go. We’ve been craving a date night for a while,” customer Jhazmin Martinez said, per Fox 4 KDFW.

“I think it was pretty delicious,” customer Jesus Martinez said.

Others said the size of the crowd caught them off guard, but it did not deter them.

“Pretty busy. I was definitely like surprised,” customer Diego Osorio said. “I expected there to be some people. Like, oh, maybe he got to a few people. But when we walked in, I was like, dude, this is crazy. It’s gonna take longer than an hour, but it’ll be all right.”

Customer C.J. Nelson said the wait was worth it.

“Yeah, it’s a good problem for them to have. I don’t mind for good food waiting a little bit longer,” he said.

Owner Reacts

Leslie De Loa said she was moved by the reaction to her post.

“It’s just amazing how people watch social media and take their time off the day to come visit us and try some of our food,” she said, Fox 4 reported.

Her father described the shift as overwhelming after nearly two years of struggling to attract steady business.

“Since we lack business, I have no waiters who want to work for no tips. But now, they surprise me, and you know the video I mentioned the word miracle. So, miracle to us. I mean, we’ve been here almost two years, and we’ve never got a good place, had this kind of business, never,” Rafael De Loa said, per Fox 4.

“I’m happy, and I’m tired, but it’s OK. I’m trying hard. I’m trying hard every day. I’m working not 24. I’m working 30 hours a day trying to keep up now.”

Rafael De Loa said the restaurant now needs additional staff to handle the demand and is actively hiring.

Rafael and Leslie made another video on Father’s Day, thanking the public for their help and support.

“Leslie’s here, and we both want to give you thanks. Big hug and thank you so much,” Rafael said. “Keep in touch, and please keep coming.”