Back in 1966

Our story begins, as most stories do, on the day of our birth. On August 18, 1966, Trini & Carmen's Restaurant was born at 848 Woodward in Pontiac, the beloved creation of Trinidad and Carmen Martinez. This new venture was the combination of the then recently closed Trini's "TJ's Bar" on Saginaw Street and "Carmen's Restaurant" on Joslyn Road. The newly opened restaurant quickly established itself as a landmark restaurant in the Metro-Detroit area by providing guests with a fun, family atmosphere and traditional Mexican cuisine made daily with the freshest ingredients. Numerous raving newspaper and food magazine reviews, both local and national, cemented Trini & Carmen's reputation as "the place" to find the best Mexican food in the Metro-Detroit area.

In September of 1976, a new chapter in Trini & Carmen's history began with the Grand Opening of our present location at 1715 N. Telegraph Road in Waterford. Growth continued and accolades accumulated through the 1970s and into the 1980s. Over time the menu was gradually adapted to the culinary tastes of the times, all the while keeping a firm root in the inherited tradition of authentic Mexican cuisine made daily with the freshest ingredients. Sadly, in the Spring of 1989, St. Joseph's Hospital, the longtime neighbor and employer of countless loyal patrons at Trini & Carmen's on Woodward, decided to expand, leaving our present location on Telegraph as the only remaining Trini & Carmen's.

We continue today to carry on the Restaurant Tradition, inherited from our parents and grandparents, to a new generation of patrons in the 21st century. Numerous members of the Martinez family have worked tirelessly in this effort. We continue to create our traditional Mexican specialties daily, always starting with the freshest ingredients available and serving them to you, our loyal patrons, in a fun, family atmosphere. Thank you all for your loyal support.

- Carmen Martinez, Owner and Founder

In Memory of Trinidad J. Martinez (1924-1990)