The seared tuna appetizer ($12.95), comes with a side dish of avocado. (Sierra Rozen/Community Impact Newspaper).
Since I was a child, we have been in the restaurant industry. It was like my day care after school. Instead of going home, I would go there to learn how to cook and work in the kitchen. It’s been my passion since childhood. Cantu said, “Ive been in the restaurants business all my life.”
Cantu was instrumental in taking over the Needville location from his parents in 1999. He also opened a Richmond location and Fulshear location in 2006. In 2012, Cantu closed the Needville location and focused on the Richmond one.
Highway 36 is the name of Pier 36. 36, the original restaurant, specializes in fresh, delicious seafood. Cantu strives to use only the best ingredients, with many items made daily from scratch.
We sell tons of boiled crawfish during crawfish season. People love our seasonings and our spice. Cantu said that everything is made from scratch for all menu items. You can taste the difference in quality by using only Gulf shrimp and farm-raised domestic catsfish.
Cantu is the sole family member who owns the restaurant. However, his relatives still help in small ways. His sister designs the menu and does most of the printing ads. His other sister owns a construction business and helped with the construction of both locations.
Pier 36 needed to stand out from the crowd of seafood restaurants in Houston. He said that the difference is in the community involvement.
We have always believed in giving back. This is what sets us apart. This is especially true now with COVID[-19]It seems that you are putting a spotlight on small businesses, and supporting local. Cantu said that we just tried to give back to our community as much possible.
Cantu indicated that he could see potential for expansion but for now, he is focusing his efforts on making the restaurants the best they are.