DALLAS — For Mico Rodriguez, the founder of Mi Cocina and creator of one of Dallas' most iconic drinks, restaurants have always been part of his story.

As a boy, he bussed tables, chopped vegetables and worked alongside his mother at Mia’s Tex-Mex on Lemmon Avenue. Even then, he knew what his future held.

“I was 5 years old and I knew that was what I was going to do,” Rodriguez said.

But one fight with his mom changed everything. He had asked for a promotion.

“I walked out of the restaurant, my brother chased me and he says, 'Mico, you’re gonna change history.'”

History did change. Rodriguez launched Mi Cocina with the help of wealthy customers, who invested $82,500.

“I had $500 in the bank, so we had 12 tables and we were in a shopping center that was half empty,” he said. “And it b

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