Manuel N. Matta Hispanic Citizens’ recipient and founder of Matta’s
Manuel Natividad Matta (1918 – 2002) was an American restaurateur best known to Mesa, Arizona’s long-time citizens as a successful businessman, founder of Matta's Mexican Food restaurant, was generous with his time and talents with civic and church organizations, volunteer work, and outstanding community service. Manuel was at the forefront of community efforts on behalf of the underprivileged, orphans and the elderly and received statewide and national recognition for his civil rights activities. source Governor John (Jack) R. Williams Papers1941-1975 RG 1 SG 20
Born in Saragosa, Reeves County, a small rural West Texas town, knew the sting of discrimination. Manuel, a native of Texas who worked on his father’s farm as a boy, was barred from attending the local high school which was the case in many places for Mexican-American youth in Texas. Despite only completing school through the seventh grade, Manuel went on to achieve remarkable success. “Segregation in housing and the use of public facilities, including funeral homes and cemeteries was likewise the de facto and de jure in many areas of the Southwest.” (Rosales Francisco A. 2006. Dictionary of Latino Civil Rights History. Houston Tex: Arte Público Press. http://www.digitaliapublishing.com/a/23226/.)
Manuel was a welder in the shipyards at Mare Island until 1943, when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served until 1946, spending much of his service stationed in the Hawaiian Islands after being a federal prison guard at Naval Air Base San Pedro, California.
His extraordinary blend of restaurateur, entrepreneur, and unstinting devotion to consistency kept him at the top of the restaurant industry in Arizona and the Southwest. He was most proud of his work with the Mesa Noon Optimist Club and the Sunshine Acres Children’s Home for underprivileged children. He also assisted the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix implementing pre-school and kindergarten classes for low-income non-English speaking Hispanic children in Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona.
He received many awards and commendations during his life, some of which include: member of the Better Community Council of Mesa to advance civil rights and social justice at a time when Mesa faced discrimination and segregation, in the ’50s and ’60s; appointed to the Arizona Civil Rights Commission (fiscal year), 1968–’69, 1969–’70 , 1970–’71, 1971–’72 (vice-chairman), Arizona Affirmative Action Program in Employment, (vice-chairman), 1973; awarded Arizona Mexican-American Small Businessman of the Year by the National Economic Development Association and the Office of Minority Business Enterprise, 1975; Matta’s restaurant recognized by Restaurant Hospitality “Top 500” ranking as the leading independently-owned food service operation in the United States, 1986; honored by the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens Pedro W. Guerrero Fund, 1991; U.S. Congressional commendation by John J. Rhodes III in the House of Representatives, 1991; and honored by the Arizona Restaurant Association Hall of Fame Award, 1994.
1958
Matta’s Spanish Inn café grew steadily. Owners Manuel and Mary Lou Matta had been in the small place (919 E. Main St.) for years, they saw the need for expansion, and bought a lot across the street, where they erected a modern restaurant in a 50-by 60-foot building at 932 E. Main St, Mesa.
They specialized in Mexican food but also served steaks, salads and other American food. The amount of people they could serve at one time rose to 160, and the daily take rose to $600 a day. This restaurant also grew, and the Mattas again saw the need for expansion.
1953
The Mattas noticed that there was only one Mexican food restaurant in Mesa, El Charro, west of downtown. In the early ’50s, Manuel and Mary Lou Matta began thinking about opening a place of their own.
Matta’s Spanish Inn began operations in 1953 with $1,000 the Mattas had saved, plus what they could borrow for equipment. They trusted to God and luck and their own energy and faith to pull them through. Sometimes they took in $25 a day, sometimes a lot less.
The quarters of the Mattas first business venture Matta's Spanish Inn café were small, just enough to hold six booths and four tables, and the kitchen. Manuel cooked and washed dishes, as did Mary Lou. At the start, there were just the two of them.
Relatives on both sides of the family had been restaurateurs. Manuel and Marylou decided in favor of Mesa due its being a home-and-family kind of place. But first they went to Pecos, Texas, where Manuel's brother Ben and sister-in-law Chuy operated a successful restaurant. Ben and Chuy Matta taught them everything they knew about the business and closely guarded family recipes from Ben's Spanish Inn
1970
The Mattas foresaw the need for a new addition to an increase in business and in 1969 they began the planning and building of a new, larger restaurant. In April of 1970 they expanded and opened with a seating capacity of 250 people, and converted the old part of the restaurant into a banquet hall that could seat 120 people.
In the early ’80s, Matta’s banquet hall was remodeled, adding a cocktail lounge to seat 40, followed by an outdoor patio and waiting area to comfortably seat 25.
A TRIBUTE TO MANUEL N. MATTA, FOUNDER OF MATTA'S MEXICAN FOOD
(1918 – 2002)
HON. JOHN J. RHODES III in the House of Representatives
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1991.
Mr. RHODES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mr. Manuel N. Matta, the recipient of the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens' Pedro W. Guerrero Fund. Mr. Matta has distinguished himself in the business world by starting a business in 1953, and keeping that business alive and well for nearly 40 years. Mr. Matta is perhaps better known though, for his work in civil rights. When he was a young man in Texas, Hispanics were prevented from attending high school so Manuel never got past the seventh grade. Now Manuel Matta is a key force behind the League of United Latin American Citizens' establishment of English classes for Hispanic children. When he spoke Spanish in restaurants, he was thrown out and now, he owns a restaurant serving all people regardless of language. Many people believe that there aren't any more heroes in America. I say, if you look closely you can find heroes like Manuel N. Matta.
Content Details source: Congress. "137 Cong. Rec. (Bound) - Extensions of Remarks: May 14, 1991". Government. U.S. Government Publishing Office, May 20, 1991. source https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GPO-CRECB-1991-pt8/GPO-CRECB-1991-pt8-3-3
HONORING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY LYDIA MATTA GARZA
(1922 – 2020)
HON. JEFF FLAKE of Arizona in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, September 19, 2012.
Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Mary Lydia Matta Garza, of Mesa, Arizona.
Known to her friends and family as Mary Lou, Mrs. Matta Garza is perhaps best known in the Mesa community as the proud owner and operator of the former Matta's Restaurant. Now a Mesa landmark, Matta's was opened in 1953 by Mrs. Matta Garza and her husband, Manuel. Mary Lou and Manuel opened Matta's with only $1,000, and grossed a mere $25 a day in those first few weeks and months of getting their small business off the ground.
Matta's opened as a small storefront, but its family-oriented traditions and atmosphere, and of course, its great dishes based on Matta family recipes passed down for generations, drew larger and larger crowds. The Matta's following grew so much that in 1969, Mary Lou and Manuel were able to expand Matta's home, adding enough seating for 350 people.
Mrs. Matta Garza and her family decided to close Matta's in 2008 after 55 years of serving quality Latin fare. But despite its closed doors, its traditions, and of course, its great food, now live on at Matta's Mexican Grill in East Mesa and Matta's Grill and Cantina in Northwest Mesa, which are owned and operated by Mrs. Matta Garza's grandchildren.
While Matta's was becoming a successful business and Mesa landmark, Mrs. Matta Garza—in between helping to run the restaurant and raise six children—made many important contributions to the Mesa community and the state of Arizona. She launched the Mesa-Phoenix and Flagstaff councils of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, and served as LULAC's regional governor. She volunteered her time at the Southside Hospital of Mesa and Desert Samaritan Hospital and served as a board member and treasurer of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. For her many efforts to give back, Mrs. Matta Garza was named Mesa Woman of the Year in 1973.
In her 90 years, Mary Lou Matta Garza raised her six children, saw the birth of 21 grand children, 23 great grandchildren, and even one great-great grandchild. She ran a profitable business that became a pillar of Mesa. And she gave much of her time, effort, and love to her community. Mrs. Matta Garza is fond of saying that “giving back in this way will ``reward you tenfold.” As a Mesa resident, I feel rewarded to have had her as an integral part of our community. Thank you, Mrs. Matta Garza, for all you have done and continue to do for our town and our home.
source Extension of Remarks - Wednesday, September 19, 2012) [Page: 14497], Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10, From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov
source: HONORING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY LYDIA MATTA GARZA. 112th Cong., 2nd sess., Congressional Record 158, pt. 10: 14497. source https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CRECB-2012-pt10/CRECB-2012-pt10-Pg14497-3.
Congressional Record Volume 158, Issue 127, (September 19, 2012) eng U.S. Government Printing Office Content Details
MATTAS INC
932 E MAIN ST
MESA ARIZONA 85203
Manuel N. Matta
Born: July 7, 1918, Saragosa, Reeves Co., Texas
Parents: Sebastian Matta and Maggie Natividad
Married: Mary Lydia Lerma – Dec. 18, 1940
Died: May 20, 2002, Mesa, Maricopa Co., Arizona
Manuel and Mary Lou Garza arrived in Mesa 1950 from Los Angeles, Calif, and then moved back to Texas and learned the restaurant business from his brother Ben Matta who founded Ben's Spanish Inn. Moved back to Mesa, and opened first café. He continued to work as a welder part time in the mornings, and worked at the restaurant in the afternoon and evenings. The quarters of the Matta’s first location were small, just enough to hold six booths and four tables, and the kitchen. Manuel cooked and washed dishes and so did Mary Lou. At the start, there were just the two of them.
Later some high school girls were brought in to help part time. When the daily take rose from $25 to $60 to $100 a day, the Mattas again hired a part-time cook’s helper and a dishwasher. After four years they erected a modern restaurant in a 50 x 60-foot building. The amount of people they could serve at one time rose to 160, and the daily take rose to $600 a day. This restaurant, too grew, and the Mattas again saw the need for expansion. So, in 1969, they began the planning and building of a new, larger restaurant, and in April of 1970 they opened with a seating capacity of 250 people, and converted the old part of the restaurant into a banquet hall that can seat 120 people.
In the past year they have had sales reach $750,000.00.
The Matta’s have six children and all of the family except their daughter, Gloria; work in the restaurant. The civic contributions of both Manuel and Mary Lou have been very large indeed and they have both received outstanding recognition for their work in behalf of others. Gov. Jack Williams appointed Manuel to the Arizona Civil Rights Commission in 1968. On May 27, 1966, he received a personal letter from then Vice President Hubert Humphrey commending him for his support of the president’s Youth Opportunity Campaign.
He has also given much of his time to the March of Dimes, and served as area Chairman. In 1967, he was chairman of the 38th National Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which was held in Phoenix in June of that year.
In 1966, the then Arizona Gov. Sam Goddard cited Manuel for “outstanding service to the interest of the aging,” and he was also appointed to the Mesa Southside Hospital Board, and is now serving on the advisory board for Desert Samaritan Hospital. He has received an appreciation Award from the Mesa Noon Optimist Club, of which he is a life member for his service as chairman of the Sunshine Acres benefit dinner. He was Grand Knight of Mesa Council 3419 of the Knight of Columbus in 1968-1969.
In 1971-72 he served as Vice Chairman for the Arizona Civil Rights Division Advisory Board; 1973 served as President of the Board of the Mesa Catholic Social Service; also in 1973 served on the Board of the Mesa YMCA, and is a member of the YMCA Century Club. In 1973-74 Manuel served as President of Mesa Noon Optimist Club, and has attended two national Conventions for the organization.
Manuel is also very proud of his wife Mary Lou, who received the 1973 “Woman of the Year” Award as one of Mesa’s outstanding citizen for her community service.
[Taken and transcribed from original Matta's restaurant (Matta's Inc.) [letterhead]
Matta's Mexican Food is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up authentic Mexican food for over 70 years. Their menu includes a “Chile Relleno Dinner” that is described as "Uncle Ben Matta’s special recipe of a meat and cheese stuffed roasted anaheim green chile with a light egg batter served with rice and beans
Ben Matta and his wife Chuy were the founders and owners of Ben's Spanish Inn, Pecos, Reeves County, Texas
The restaurant was known throughout West Texas for its delicious chile rellenos, a testament to Ben Matta's culinary skills
Business and Community Leadership
Matta’s Spanish Inn café began operations in 1953, and expanded to Matta’s Mexican Food restaurant located at 932 E. Main St, Mesa Arizona. Grand opening Friday, January 15, 1954. source: Mesa Tribune, Mesa, Arizona, Jan. 14, 1954, newspaper advertisement. Dept. of Library and archives AZ State Library, accessed Mesa Public Library microfilm
Matta's New Restaurant Grand Opening Open House, Friday, March 14, 1958, 7 to 9 pm. Grand Opening Saturday, March 15, 1958, 12 to 11 pm. source: Mesa Tribune, Mesa, Arizona, March 14, 1958, newspaper advertisement. Dept. of Library and archives AZ State Library, accessed Mesa Public Library microfilm
Member of Better Community Council of Mesa. Together with council members: David Gates, president; George Phearson, Vice-president; and Laura Gritzner, secretary and treasurer, Manuel Matta, and Adolfo Guerrero advance civil rights and lobbied Mesa restaurants and hotels to sign non-discrimination pledges at time when Mesa faced discrimination and segregation.
In 1953, a group of Mesa citizens organized Better Community Council of Mesa. At the time, public facilities in Mesa were segregated. There were even separate black and white restrooms at the city hall. The group also led a successful effort to integrate the Rendezvous Park swimming pool. source: Mesa Heritage Wall, Arizona Museum of Natural History
Opened Matta’s restaurant (No.2) in Chandler, Arizona, 836 N. Arizona, 1960–’63
Opened Matta’s restaurant, 3138 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, Arizona, 1980
Appointed by then Governor John “Jack” R. Williams (term 1967–1975) to the Arizona Civil Rights Commission (fiscal year), 1968–’69, 1969–’70 , 1970–’71, 1971–’72 (vice-chairman), Arizona Affirmative Action Program in Employment, (vice-chairman), 1973
Awarded Arizona Mexican-American Small Businessman of the Year, 1975
Co-founder and active member of League of United Latin American Citizens (Lulac) Mesa council 251. Influential at expanding Lulac councils in Flagstaff, Casa Grande, Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, Arizona. President of Lulac council 251, Mesa, Arizona.
Mesa Lulac council 251 implemented pre-school and kindergarten classes (instruction) for non-English speaking children at St. Anne’s Catholic Parish, Gilbert, Arizona. The Gilbert Enterprise, Volume 39, Number 35, Gilbert, Arizona, Thursday, April 25, 1968, cover page (Member of Arizona Newspaper Association). Volunteers from ladies of the Christ the King Sodality conduct classes. Pictured in photo: Pastor Father Casey of St. Anne’s Church greeting preschoolers Patty Morena, Mary Ann Rosales, Bertha Munoz, Joey Nuñez, Ester Sanchez, and David Silvas. In February 1967, Christ the King sodality organization responded to an appeal for volunteers to help staff the Head Start type program operating under the Catholic Charities of Arizona, Diocese of Phoenix.
The Bishop of Phoenix Diocese organized a committee to address the 1964 “War on poverty,” and the need for Head Start type program in Maricopa County. The Maricopa County coordinator for Catholic Charities of Arizona presented an idea of using parochial facilities and volunteers.
St. Anne’s at Gilbert provided classrooms for the first pre-school program in Maricopa county and the Diocese of Phoenix run by volunteers starting in February 1967. The initial class, 25 preschoolers were introduced to the public library, learning a vocabulary of 400 basic English words, The Pledge of Allegiance oath, personal hygiene, and the basics and importance of good manners. Instruction was modeled after the Texas “Little School of 400” that transitioned children from preschool to elementary school.
Mrs. Joseph Zymber (instructor) and Mrs. William Nee (instructor), Sodality Christ the King members reported that other members provided treats and other help. The program conceived as a catch-up summer school program for low-income children was scheduled for future continuation in the surrounding outlining communities of Phoenix. (The Gilbert Enterprise, 1968). Note: Texas’ ”Little School of the 400” was adopted as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society campaign and named Project Head Start by The Office of Economic Opportunity’s Community Action Program as an eight-week summer program in 1965.
The educational premise of “Little School“ and its instruction had already been a success in Texas since 1957 with the support of the League of Latin American Citizens organization (Educational Fund) and member Felix Tijerina who piloted the program with instructor Isabel Verver-De La Vega, Baytown, Texas and educator Elizabeth Parris Burrus who supplied a list of vocabulary words and later, a book of 400 essential words. The Texas Education Agency developed student application forms, minimum student enrollment, daily teaching hours with a total of 120-hour instruction (summertime), standard classroom facilities as appropriate for 1st graders, in addition to pedagogy requirements to meet approved project funding and implementation. Also, to be credited are Antonio (Tony) Campos, David Adame, and Jacob Rodriguez.
“Some general findings from the study include evidence that with the inception of this program first grade teachers of children who had been exposed to this program found that fewer children were obliged to repeat first grade.” source: Little school of the 400; preschool program in Texas, thesis
Served on the board of the Finance Committee of the Church Council of Christ the King Parish, Mesa Arizona. Christ the King Parish was established under the Diocese of Tucson on September 19, 1959. Christ the King Parish became part of the Diocese of Phoenix when it was established in 1969. In December of 1960, Father Cullinan opened four rooms for Religious Education classes. The Most Rev. Francis J. Green D.D. dedicated the new church, which is now the Ministry Building and four classrooms, on Sunday, January 22, 1961. (ctk-catholicschool.org)
President the Tri-City Catholic Social Service (CSS) serving as board member and President (1965). Board of directors: Norbert P O’Connell, first vice-President; Conway Ryan, 2nd vice-president; Gil Montanez, treasurer; Dan Scarpone, secretary. Three-year board members elected: Rev. George Randle, Henry Debold, Constance O'Neal, Rev. Ernest McClear, Bob Mitchell, Ed Haasis, Dorothy Mitchell, and Ralph Davitt.
At the time, CSS was the only full-time agency in the Tri-City community of Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler specializing in casework and counseling services to unwed mothers, to couples applying for adoption and to individuals, families and married couples experiencing social and emotional adjustment problems. Main office located at 10th Place, Mesa and branch office E. Orange Tempe, and S. Arizona Ave, Chandler. Opened in 1967, a non-profit denominational agency received funds from the Mesa, Chandler and Tempe United Fund and the Charity and Development Fund of the Phoenix Roman Catholic Diocese.
Governor Jack Williams of Arizona appointed Manuel Matta to the Arizona Civil Rights Commission, 1968-1973. Source citation: Manuel Matta Civil Rights Commission appointments Annual Reports, 1968-1973, Arizona Memory Project, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. United States, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, 2000, accessed by Robert L. Matta, September 11, 2023.
Office of the Governor, State House, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, February 4 1971, Advisement of reappointment to the Civil Rights Commission for a term expiring January, 31, 1974. Reads--We would appreciate your signing, before a notary, the enclosed Loyalty Oaths and returning all copies to us in order that we may proceed to make the appointment official.
In submitting this for Senate approval, it will be necessary for us to have a brief biographical sketch. Please furnish us the this information when you return the Loyalty Oaths.
Thank you for your cooperation and for your past efforts on behalf of this commission.
Sincerely Jack Williams [signed], JW :lv:crk, cc: Civil Rights CommissionHubert H. Humphrey, national Vice President commended Manuel for his support of the 1966 President’s Youth Opportunity campaign (May 27, ’66).
Candidate for City of Mesa, Arizona April 19, 1966, Tuesday primary election for12 men seeking three positions on the Mesa city council. Mesa Tribune
March of Dimes Mesa agency serving as Area Chairman. Newspaper photo caption: Matta to Head Drive, Manuel Matta, Mesa restaurant operator and long active in civic affairs, here, will be Mesa chairmen for the March of Dimes this year, it has been announced. Here he talks thing over with Georgie Fellmeth, Maricopa County poster boy for the drive this year. The March of Dimes fights birth defects such as that suffered by the poster boy, and is continuing its battle against infantile paralysis. (Tribfoto)
Man of the Year, 1965, Lulac Council 251, Mesa, Arizona
General chairman 38th National Lulac Convention, Phoenix, Arizona (June 22 to 25, ’67). Hotel Westward Ho. State councils participating: Washington, California, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, New York, and New Jersey. Alfred J. Hernandez of Houston, national president (term year 1966–67). Lulac convention program booklet.
National officers: William D. Bonilla, immediate past president; Manuel Lerma, 1st vice-president; Mrs. Lucy Acosta, 2nd vice-president; Tony Alvarez, executive director; Mrs. Belen B. Robles, secretary; Arturo Vasquez, treasurer; Albert Almendariz, legal advisor; Frank Carmona, assistant legal advisor; John Ramirez, assistant treasurer; Dan Trevino, director anti-poverty; Mike Martinez, organizer; Frank Montoya, youth activities; Luciano Santoscoy, business manager and editor; Rev. Antonio Gonzales, chaplain; Mrs. Carmen Cortes, executive secretary. Steve Zozaya, convention co-chair.
Lulac host council Mesa 251: Mrs. Irene Sandoval, Mrs. Billie Contreras, Mrs. Dora Lerma, Mrs. Margaret Austin, Mrs. Nell Morales, and Mrs. Lydia Matta, A.M. Sandoval, Manuel Lerma, Albert Austin, Manuel Matta; Phoenix 284: Max Velarde, Willie Garcia, Mrs. Nadina Bernal, Ray Czepowski, Mrs. Josephine Roman, Bob Holly, Al Velasquez.
Government official’s acknowledgement of Lulac national convention: Ozell M Trask, president Phoenix Chamber of Commerce; John G. Hough, president of Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Milton H. Graham, Phoenix mayor; Jack J. Taylor, Mesa mayor. Honorable Stewart L. Udall, banquet speaker. Keynote speakers: Dr. Ralph Guzman, UCLA.
Governor Sam P. Goddard cited Manuel for outstanding service and advisory member (25-members) to the Governor’s Advisory Council for Problems of the Aging (May 27, ’66). Dr. Lester Perrill, Arizona State University sociology professor heads the advisory council working within the framework of the Older Americans Act of 1965 passed by Congress and Lyndon B. Johnson on July 14, 1965.
Citation for outstanding community service, Immigration & Naturalization Service, Phoenix District Office awarded to Manuel N. Matta for conducting Americanization classes to assist lawful permanent resident aliens in becoming citizens of the United States, Robert L Jarratt, district director, Phoenix, Arizona (signed).
Grand Knight of Mesa Council 3419 in 1968-1969. Installment ceremony held at the Velda Rose Hotel Mesa, Arizona, with the officers of the San Xavier del Bac general assembly, fourth-degree, Knights of Columbus. Listed in newspaper photograph: Master of the fourth-degree Ed Caliendo, Phoenix, installing officer. State Deputy Ed Flynn, Scottsdale; Jack Gleeson, captain; Al Fleishhauser, comptroller; Frank Guida, purser; Joseph Habeeb, navigator; Ed Flynn; George Ohleyer, outside sentinel; Ed Caliendo; S.A. Schweder, pilot; Manuel Matta, inside sentinel; Fred Anderson, scribe; and Ed Stanlec. Mesa Tribune, Mesa, Arizona, Monday October 31, 1966, page 9
Appointed to the Mesa Southside Hospital Board of Trustees. Southside Highlights clipping published monthly, Southside Hospital (circulation 1,700), 21 Hibbert, Mesa, Arizona. Photo of Manuel Matta newest member of the Southside Board of Trustees, and Acting Administrator T. Abner Huff, visit with Red Cross Volunteers Carlie Frank and Grace Akers at the Volunteers information station in the hospital lobby. Matta named to Hospital Board, Southside Highlights, Mesa, Arizona, Vol 5, No. 10, October 1966
Served on Advisory Board for Desert Samaritan Hospital (now Banner Desert Medical Center) for the Mesa-Tempe area. Letter from Harold L Divelbess, Chairman of the Board. Filled vacancy created by the recent resignation of Pedro W. Guerrero with T. Abner Huff as acting administrator of the hospital (Dec 13, ’68).
Life Member, President of Mesa Noon Optimist Club and appointed food service coordinator for the annual Sunshine Acres Children’s Home benefit breakfast and BBQ luncheon-dinner. The Reverend James Dingman and Vera Irene Dingman provided a home that opened in 1954 with the idea of providing a Christian based nonprofit foundation for youth who were separated from their parents due to domestic issues and neglect.
Matta named to Hospital Board, Southside Highlights, Mesa, Arizona, Vol 5, No. 10, October 1966. The Board of Trustees of Southside District Hospital has named Manuel Matta, 462 N. Temple Drive, to fill the board position vacated by P. W. Guerrero. For the past 14 years Mr. Matta has owned and operated Matta’s Mexican Food Restaurant on E. Main Street. He moved to Mesa from California following a tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Matta, married and the father of six children age 6 to 25, with two married, is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Matta was recently appointed by Governor Sam Goddard to serve on his advisory Council on the Aging. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce tourist and promotion committee, is vice president of the Mesa Optimist Club, active in the Knights of Columbus, he holds the office of Chancellor and membership Chairman. Matta is a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and is General Chairman for the National Convention to be held in Phoenix, in June 1967.
1970s
Governor Raul H. Castro appreciation letter expressing Manuel’s service to the Civil Rights Advisory Board
Notice of Appointment from Governor Jack Williams Feb 4, ’71 to expire Jan 31, ’72, Oaths and Bonds, Feb 17, ’71 at 11:30 am, signed by Wesley Bolin, Secretary of State
Loyalty Oath of Office, Maricopa County to serve as member of the Civil Rights Commission (subscribed and sworn) on February 9, 1971 by Geraldine Donovan (Notary Public), filed in the Office of Secretary of State of Arizona, February 17, 1971, at 11:30 am, signed Wesley Bolin, Secretary of State
Awarded Arizona Mexican-American Small Businessman of the Year by the National Economic Development Association and the Office of Minority Business Enterprise
1980s
Recognized by Restaurant Hospitality magazine Top “500” ranking Matta’s as the leading independently-owned foodservice restaurants included seven of Arizona establishments operating in the United States. In 1986, Matta's was ranked 434th. Other rankings were: Montis La Casa Vieja, Temple; Mansion Club, Phoenix; Biltmore's Gold Room; Adobe Steak House, Phoenix; The Orangerie, Phoenix; and Butch O'Learys, Mesa.
1990s
Honored by the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens Pedro W. Guerrero Fund, Manuel N. Matta Scholarship Banquet, Friday May 17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa
U.S. Congressional commendation by John J. Rhodes III in the House of Representatives
Honored and inducted in the Arizona Restaurant Association Hall of Fame award
Matta's Restaurant, Arizona Hispanic Identity Project Records 1998 MSS-144
Reports were created by graduate students for their final project in Dr. Daniel Arreola's Cultural Geography: Qualitative Methods (GCU 591). Series I: Graduate Student Reports contains observations, reports, and city information materials. Series II: Mexican American Restaurants consists of written summaries of each restaurant and the menus, fliers, place mats, business cards, and photographs that the students collected in 1998 Arizona State University, Arizona State University Library. Chicano Research Collection
Arizona Restaurant Association, banquet and Hall of Fame award ceremony with Pat McMann, Manuel and Mary Lou (Matta) Garza
Arizona Restaurant Association Hall of Fame award presented to Manuel Matta and Mary Lou Garza. For outstanding service in the restaurant industry. Member of Arizona Restaurant Association June 4, 1994
Arizona Restaurant Association Hall of Fame award certificate to Honoree Manuel Matta and Mary Lou Matta. Member of Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) June 4, 1994. Ray Flores, President
The Arizona Restaurant Association honors you, as well as the members of the Hall of Fame, for, by your attendance, you share the achievements and satisfaction of knowing you are also an • HONOREE • in the truest sense of the word.
It is because of your efforts and dedication to improving the conditions of the industry that we are able to gather together tonight and recognize the outstanding service of these leaders of the restaurant community. We all stand on the shoulders of giants like these to attain our goals. The success of the past 55 years and those of the future years depend upon your contending loyalty.
Thank you for sharing this occasion!
Seal
Signature
Ray Flores, President
A Tribute to Manuel N. Matta. Congressional Record Extension of Remarks. Vol 137, 102nd Congress, 1st Session. Washington, Tuesday, May 14, 1991. No. 72, page 10914. United States of America.
Honoring the Birthday of Mary Lydia Matta Garza. Congressional Record Extension of Remarks, 112th Congress, Second Session. Vol 158, Washington, Wednesday, September 19, 2012. No. 127, page E1569, United States of America.
Manuel N. Matta Obituary
Manuel N. Matta Obituary
An Extraordinary Blend of Hard Work, Diligence, and Dedication
Manuel N. Matta was Born July, 7, 1918 in Saragosa, a small West Texas town. As a young man, he joined the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) in Toyahvale, Texas, at historic San Solomon Springs. After completing the project in Toyahvale, he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad as timekeeper. He moved his family to California and served his county in the US Marine corps in1943 and was Honorably Discharged in 1946.
He was man of many trades, which also included landscaper, stone cutter, railroad timekeeper, welder, machinist and Matta's Mexican food restaurant owner. He was an extraordinary man, who was never afraid of an honest day's work to support his family.
Manuel N. Matta and Mary Lou (Matta) Garza established Matta's Restaurant in 1953 in Mesa, Arizona. They started with $1000 they had saved, plus what they could borrow for equipment and supplies. The gross sales were $25 a day. The original restaurant had only six booths and four tables when it opened and has since expanded to a beautiful, spacious, award winning restaurant seating 350 people.
Manuel is best known to Mesa's long-time citizens as a successful businessman, generous with his time and talents with civic and church organizations, volunteer work, and outstanding community service. He received many awards and commendations during his life, some of which include: Christ the King Catholic Church. Finance Committee of the Church Council, Mesa (1960), Tri-City Catholic Social Service and Board of Directors, president (1965). Southside Hospital Board of Trustees, Desert Samaritan Hospital, Mesa (1966), Arizona Advisory Council on the Aging, Citation of Merit, Arizona Governor Sam Goddard (1966), Mesa Optimist Club appreciation Award, life member and past president, and past-chairman of the Annual Sunshine Acres Benefit Dinner, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 21st Council. Mesa, co-founder and member (1967), Arizona Civil Rights Commission, vice-chairman, appointed by Governor Jack Williams (1969-1981), Knights of Columbus Association, Mesa Council, Grand Knight and Chancellor (1968-1969), Congressional Record, tribute from John J. Rhodes III (1991), Arizona Restaurant Association, Hall of Fame Award (1994).
His extraordinary blend of restaurateur, entrepreneur, and unstinting devotion to consistency kept him at the top of the restaurant industry. "There is opportunity for everyone who is willing to work and stick it out," emphasized Manuel. "Reflecting back, we set our own daily goals, stayed focused, and knew in our hearts we could only get ahead if we didn't give up." He truly lived the American dream!
Manuel N. Matta is survived by his children, Gloria Matta Tuchman of California, David L. Matta of Mesa, Robert L. Matta of Texas, the Twins, Lisa and Louie Matta of Mesa. Allen L. Matta of Mesa, 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.
The following schedule of services will be held for Manuel N. Matta:
Visitation:
Melcher's Chapel of the Roses,
43 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ.
Friday, May 24, 2002--3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Rosary:
Christ the King Catholic Church,
1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa, AZ.
Friday, May 24, 2002 --7:00 P.M.
Funeral Mass:
Christ the King Catholic Church,
1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa, AZ.
Saturday, May 25, 2002 --9:30 A.M.
Vist the Mesa Room located in the basement of the Mesa Main Library at 64 East 1st Street, Mesa AZ, 85201. The Mesa Public Library and the Mesa Room aim to strengthen the overall quality of education by providing educational materials for preK-12 grade
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