Tortilleria Gomez

Tortilleria Gomez is a family-owned business rooted in tradition, first established 29 years ago in Dumas, Texas by the current owners, Rosario Ortega parents. As demand for their fresh, preservative-free tortillas steadily grew, the next generation recognized the need to expand production to better serve their community. After exploring the idea in late 2021, they chose Amarillo for a new production site, building on an existing customer base. Their journey accelerated in 2023 after participating in the SBDC’s “Start a New Business” series, which connected them with the WT Enterprise Center. By early 2024, tortilla production was underway in Amarillo, and by November 2025, they proudly opened their storefront on South Washington Street, marking a major milestone after years of planning, persistence, and overcoming setbacks.

Today, Tortilleria Gomez stands out for its commitment to quality, crafting tortillas without added preservatives for a fresher, more authentic taste. While the path hasn’t been without challenges, unexpected equipment issues, delays, and the demanding process of opening a storefront, the rewards have made it worthwhile. From hearing customers share how the tortillas remind them of childhood to celebrating a packed opening day surrounded by family and community, those moments fuel their passion. Beyond their storefront, they support the local economy by supplying other Amarillo businesses, strengthening a network of small enterprises. With deep gratitude for their supporters, the family remains focused on growth, hoping to one day become as much of a staple in Amarillo as they are in Dumas.

1) When and why did you start your business?

Our parents started the business 29 years ago in Dumas, TX. Around 2020 we started to see an increase in the demand for our tortillas and keeping up with production began to become a challenge over time. It was towards the end of 2021 when my siblings and I began discussing the idea of opening up a production site to help with the demand in Dumas. We decided on Amarillo being the location for the production site since we had established clients in Amarillo already. In the spring of 2023, we attended the SBDC's "Start a New Business" series and from there we meet the folks over at the WT Enterprise Center. The WT Enterprise Center offered us the opportunity to use their kitchen space to assist us in starting up our production site here in Amarillo. In early 2024, we were officially producing tortillas at the WT Enterprise Center. By the summer of 2024, we realized we needed a store front location to sell our tortillas directly to customers and in November of 2025 we officially moved into our store front location located at 1915 S. Washington St., Suite 300.

Success Story 2) What is your favorite memory in the business?

My favorite memory so far has been opening day. We worked so hard to get to that point it was very rewarding to see our family, friends and members from the community come out and celebrate that big day with us.

3) What is the most rewarding part of running a small business?

The most rewarding part of running a small business is hearing customers say they love our tortillas or that our tortillas are something they grew up with and were a part of their childhood memories.

4) What is the hardest part of running a small business?

The hardest part of running a small business is the unexpected setbacks. Between equipment breakdowns, incorrect product getting delivered, product not getting delivered on time, or unexpected financial purchases, these are the setbacks that create havoc in the business world. Running a business is never perfect, so mentally preparing yourself for these types of setbacks is all that you can do.

5) How does the business positively impact your community?

Our Dumas location is a well-established business in Dumas and I would say has become a staple within that community. In Amarillo, we supply our tortillas to several local restaurants who are doing well within the community themselves. I believe coming together and helping other small businesses by providing a high-quality product for their business is a positive impact on the community. Together we can grow and continue to expand our business and help create a positive economic impact within the Amarillo community. We also hope that one day we can become that staple business in the Amarillo community like we have in Dumas.

6) Biggest challenge in the business?

I believe our biggest challenge in the business thus far has been opening up our storefront. There were so many delays and setbacks during that process that it felt that we were never going to see the opening day.

7) What makes your business different from your competition?

Success Story

What sets us apart from our competitors is the quality of our tortillas. We do not add any additional preservatives to our tortillas which help create a fresher tasting and smelling tortilla. Due to the no additional preservatives our tortillas must be kept refrigerated. You will not find our tortillas on the shelves!

8) Best tip for others in business?

Do your homework and create a solid business plan. A business plan will be your guide to achieving your goals and dreams. Also, be patient with the journey. Nothing will come easy, and challenges will occur, but learning to be patient and trusting the process is key.

9) What’s something you wish you’d learned earlier?

I refer back to my response to question #9. Be patient. Things will not happen overnight, and challenges will rear their ugly head throughout your journey but don't give up. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. There have been many others before you that have walked a similar path and may have the advice or answer to help you along your journey.

10) How did the SBDC help you on your venture?

Thank you to the SBDC for hosting the "Start a New Business" series back in 2023. By attending these events we were able to connect with individuals like the WT Enterprise Center and loan officers from Amarillo National Bank that helped us begin our small business journey.

11) What's something you're grateful for today?

I am grateful to our customers and community for the continued support throughout our journey. We hope one day to say we have been in Amarillo for 30 years just like our dad can now say for our Dumas location.