MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – At Las Salsas Doña Mary, authentic Mexican cuisine is a true family affair.
Before opening their own doors, owners Maria and Alejandro Garcia spent over a decade working in area kitchens, saving up and overcoming steep startup costs to create new opportunities for their children.
Building a foundation
“Many years ago we came here with a dream to be able to get ahead, a dream to be able to give our children a better future than what we had,” said Alejandro and Maria, owners of Las Salsas Doña Mary.
In the beginning, finances were their biggest hurdle.
“Finding a building, getting more official stuff, like getting fridges month-wise was the biggest obstacle,” said Gerardo Garcia, an employee at Las Salsas Doña Mary.
After years of hard work, the restaurant became a reality when the family least expected it.
Recipes rooted in family heritage
Every dish traces back to the family’s roots in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico, and is prepared fresh together as a family.
For customers, that authenticity resonates.
“Every time people come here to eat, they are like, ‘This reminds me of what my mom used to make at home,’” Gerardo said.
The restaurant’s signature dish, the quesabirria made with a homemade tortilla and mozzarella, earned the family top honors at the Taste of Mercado this season.
The family plans to continue serving the Quad Cities with handmade meals.
Las Salsas Doña Mary is located at 1534 Sixth Avenue in downtown Moline.
Copyright 2026 KWQC. All rights reserved.
Dining and Cooking