Orlando’s Celebrates 60 Years of Italian Tradition in Lubbock
This month, Orlando’s Italian Restaurant marks an incredible milestone, 60 years of serving Lubbock with delicious food, warm hospitality, and a sense of community that spans generations. For longtime team member Loyd Turner, who joined Orlando’s in 1978, the anniversary brings one emotion above all: gratitude.
“Orlando’s is in a very rare class of independent restaurants that have survived this long, so my main emotion is thankfulness,” Loyd says.
Founded on October 15, 1965, by Mike Cea, Orlando’s story is one of family and passion. His son, David Cea, began helping in the kitchen at just nine years old, standing on cases of tomato paste to reach the counter. After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1989 with a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management, David committed his career to advancing the restaurant industry.
A dedicated member of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) since 1984, David has spent more than four decades serving the TRA in leadership roles, three terms as Lubbock Restaurant Association President, over 20 years on the TRA Board of Directors, and as Chairman of the Texas Restaurant Education Foundation. In 2015, he was inducted into the TRA Hall of Honor.
David’s passion lies in educating and inspiring future hospitality leaders. Through his work with the TRA Education Foundation, he helped establish culinary programs in five local high schools and at South Plains College. He continues to serve on advisory boards and frequently speaks to students at Texas Tech’s RHIM program.
Like Loyd, David credits Orlando’s longevity to the support of the Lubbock community and a steadfast commitment to consistency. “Our success comes down to the incredible people who’ve worked with us and our daily focus on getting it right,” he says.
Loyd originally joined Orlando’s while planning to open a natural foods bakery. Instead, he began baking whole wheat bread and cheesecakes for the restaurant, helping evolve its menu into a blend of Italian and natural foods, years ahead of its time in Lubbock.
It was also at Orlando’s that Loyd met his wife, Karen, a Texas Tech student who came in to pick up a menu for her boss. She later joined the team herself in 1980 and recently celebrated 45 years managing the Avenue Q location.
Jerol Fanta joined the Orlando’s team in 1981 and has been with the company for 44 years. A graduate of Texas Tech’s RHIM program, Jerol was named the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s “Best Boss” and the TRA’s “Lubbock Restaurateur of the Year” in 2022. Alongside his partners, he’s helped grow both Orlando’s and CapRock Café into beloved local institutions.
Other key members of the Orlando’s family include Adrian Crosby, who joined in 1996 and now serves as CIO, CFO, and President-Elect; Heather Fanta, who began in 1997 and serves as a corporate secretary; and Cheryl Cea, who joined in 1999 and serves alongside Heather.
So, what’s the secret to six decades of success? Loyd keeps it simple: “Serve great food, treat people well, and operate with integrity. If we make a mistake, we make it right. The restaurant business isn’t that hard if you truly love people.”
As Orlando’s celebrates its 60th anniversary, its legacy is clear, a story of family, community, and a shared love for good food that continues to feed Lubbock’s hearts and stomachs after six unforgettable decades.
