La Bodega celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and it will be a year-long celebration according to restaurant owners.

According to CBS 7, La Bodega opened the very first restaurant in Midland in 1972, and then in 1981, they opened the location in Odessa.

Employees who have worked at the restaurant from the beginning say it feels less like a job and more like they are part of the family.

“We are like family, we see each other as we treat each other like all the employees do and since we all know each other it’s easy to work like that,” said Jesus Moreno.

Moreno says he is grateful to take part in and witness the 50th anniversary of a restaurant that has become such an integral part of Midland and Odessa.

“I feel ecstatic. I mean I witness families with their young children come here and then those children get married and have their kids and then they bring their kids, and they bring their parents who are now grandparents. It’s beautiful,” said Moreno.

The owners of the restaurant say they have 50th-anniversary celebrations going on all year long to celebrate this big anniversary.

The celebrations will include mariachis, pinatas, vibrant colors, and of course delicious La Bodega food.

All of the festivities will not just be in Midland but also in the Odessa restaurant as well.

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