DOWAGIAC — At 19 years old, Gabriel Bravo opened La Casa De Maria — Antojitos Hidalguenses outside of downtown Dowagiac to introduce residents to authentic dishes from his birthplace in Mexico.

Bravo has lived in Dowagiac for a little more than a year, but he is already creating his mark on Dowagiac’s food scene. The official grand opening of La Casa De Maria took place earlier this year on March 18 at 724 N. Front St. Since the opening, Bravo has seen a fluctuation of visitors in the restaurant.

“[At the opening] it was full, and many times it’s been full, but sometimes, there are days it’s not,” Bravo said.

Searching for a place to house the restaurant proved to be a challenge for Bravo early on.

“This was the only place that was open, and I couldn’t find another place,” Bravo said. “I just wanted to open up here.”

The inspiration behind the restaurant came from Bravo’s mother Maria, who he proudly included in the restaurant’s name.

“Maria is my mom’s name,” Bravo said. “The restaurant’s name is just saying that this house is for her.”

That message stands true, he said. Opening a restaurant has never been Bravo’s dream.

“It’s not my dream, it’s my mom’s dream,” Bravo said. “I opened it for her, and she likes it. Some days are hard, but most days are good.”

The inspiration behind the menu came from Bravo’s favorite childhood foods. As a child, he remembers eating tlacoyos, sope, huaraches and quesadillas.

Crafting the menu and specials each week takes careful planning and behind-the-scenes work, he said.

“It takes months and weeks,” Bravo said. “We meet early in the morning to look it over. I read it over and ask, ‘is it right or wrong?’ Then, I have to correct it.”

With summer temperatures already hitting Dowagiac, Bravo wants to remind the public of La Casa De Maria’s fresh lemonades, popsicles and mangonadas. 

In addition to the regular menu items, La Casa De Maria has daily specials, including three homemade chicken tamales with a side of rice.

Bravo is still getting acclimated into the community but believes the opening of his restaurant is a step in the right direction.

“I just want to grow and bring more people into here,” Bravo said.