Little Mexico first opened its doors on the Courthouse Square in 1967, bringing authentic Tex-Mex flavors to Palestine. After moving to West Oak in 1968 and settling into its current location at 2025 West Oak in 1987, the family-owned restaurant quickly became a local favorite known for generous portions, warm hospitality, and its signature chips-and-salsa welcome. For decades, Little Mexico has been the backdrop for first dates, team celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and Friday-night traditions. After a fire in 2009, Brandon Seat and wife Melanie stepped in to carry on the legacy of Gary and Phyllis Seat, ensuring Little Mexico
photo courtesy Angela Howell-Fields
George & Company, CPA was founded in 1982 by Jesse George, Jr. It was established on faith and integrity with a clear mission: helping families and business owners make sound financial decisions. What began as a small, client-centered practice has grown to include business consulting, financial planning, and payroll services. Today, Jesse George III leads the firm alongside his brother Phillip and sister Sarah, continuing to provide trusted hometown guidance. The George family’ s commitment to service extends beyond the firm. Jesse III has served on numerous local and regional nonprofit boards. Phillip is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and ayouth soccer coach at the Palestine
remains one of East Texas’ most beloved Mexican food destinations. Now, thirdgeneration leader Austin, son of Brandon, has taken the reins as General Manager and is actively preparing to carry the family legacy forward.
photo courtesy George & Co
YMCA. Sarah is active in Rotary, the Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties, and the Harvey Women’ s Club, and the firm proudly supports Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
“ shaping the civic and economic landscape of Palestine for 30 years”
Founded in October 1994 by Fernando H. Varela, President of Varela Auto Group, All Star Ford has helped shape Palestine’ s economic and civic landscape for more than three decades, growing into a multi-location enterprise across Texas and Oklahoma while remaining rooted locally. Beyond automotive sales, the dealership invests in youth, education, and service
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“ most beloved Mexican food destinations”
photo courtesy Angela Howell-Fields
organizations through mentoring, scholarships, support of FFA photo courtesy Fernando Varela photo courtesy Fernando Varela and the Anderson County Youth Livestock program, and extensive charitable giving— including vehicle donations, veteran transportation through the VFW, and support for numerous community nonprofits. Today, Fernando and his wife Alana, together with their three children— including Nicholas Varela, Managing Partner of All Star Dealerships— carry forward the family’ s legacy of integrity, leadership, and steadfast community stewardship.