The final tamalada: Corpus Christi's Huerta's Tamales shop to close

Julie Garcia | Corpus Christi

Show Caption Hide Caption See the best moments from Corpus Christi's Tamale Festival 2018 amale lovers came together to celebrate the 4th annual Corpus Christi Hot Tamale Festival in downtown Corpus Christi on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.

In brightly colored lettering on a black board, the Huerta family wrote a goodbye letter to their Corpus Christi customers: "the last and final tamalada."

After eight years on South Staples Street and more than 25 years in the tamale business, Huerta's Tamales shop will close on Dec. 31.

"It is with heavy, but also very full, hearts that we announce our last tamale season here," the sign at the shop reads. "Our parents have worked endlessly to provide Corpus Christi with tamales for over 25 years. It is time for them to enjoy a bit more of life outside the shop. They will miss every single one of you very much. Thank you for supporting their business."

Lourdes Huerta, the daughter of owners' Jose and Maria Huerta, told the Caller-Times the family has been trying to get their parents to take a break for a long time. The couple has 10 children.

Lourdes Huerta said the lease on the shop will end on Dec. 31 and the property owners will not renew it. The family has taken it as a "sign" that it is time for a break, she said.

The Caller-Times has featured the Huertas in several stories over the years: from the tradition of tamale making for the holidays in 2013 to the owners' participation in last year's national "Day Without Immigrants" boycott by small businesses.

The Huertas moved to Corpus Christi in the early 1990s and began selling tamales out of their kitchen on Buford Street. They've been at the shop on South Staples Street for about eight years.

The busiest time of year is between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Back in 2013, Jose Huerta told the Caller-Times the family typically makes about 9,000 dozen tamales during that time.

What makes their tamales different are the fillings — they're prepared with secret family recipes.

“The reason people keep coming back is because they want the original tamale, homemade,” Jose Huerta told the Caller-Times in 2013. “All my clients are like family to me, and I thank God.”

Though the shop will close, the iconic Huerta's Tamales bus will still be in business around town, Lourdes Huerta said.

IF YOU GO

What: Huerta's Tamales

When: The shop will close Dec. 31.

Where: 3533 S. Staples St.

Information: 361-852-4868 or visit https://www.facebook.com/HuertasTamales/

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