Small but Mighty: Inside Xela Bistro and the Community That Built It

Walk into Xela Bistro any morning. You’ll sense the care, conversation, and invitation to slow down even before tasting the food.

Co-owners and partners in life, Frances Villagrán and Abel Castro opened Xela in May 2025 with a clear intention: to honor their families, serve their city, and give people a place to feel human again.

What’s in a name? Everything.

“Xela” represents more than branding; it’s legacy. The name pays tribute to the Guatemalan hometown of Frances’s father, subtly woven into the logo.

“It was an homage to my father… my parents sacrificed so much to come here,” Frances shares. “Opening a business is my way of saying their work didn’t go in vain.”

That same devotion carries into the kitchen. Frances’s mom is often by her side as sous chef, bringing ingredients, ideas, and memories that keep the menu alive and evolving.

Building a family pyramid

Abel sees Xela as part of a generational build:

“Our parents laid the groundwork with sacrifice. We’re building on that so our kids can build on us. It’s a family pyramid of success made of hard work and heart.”

For both owners, being first-generation isn’t a label; it’s a commitment. “We have pride in where we came from,” Abel says, “but we’re here for everyone. We want people to walk in and feel seen, welcomed, and inspired to go after what they dream.”

Why Duncanville? Because Duncanville shows up.

The couple has lived in Duncanville for 15 years, but it wasn’t until Xela that they truly discovered the city’s soul.

“Duncanville is small, but it’s mighty,” Abel says. “The mayor stops by. Council members check on us. Teachers, pastors, firefighters, police officers, and families alike. It feels like the whole city is behind us.”

Frances nods: “We decided to keep it in our backyard. And once we did, the community continued to show up. That’s when we knew this is exactly where Xela belongs. Where we belong.”

More than food: a place to breathe

At Xela, the goal isn’t just serving meals, it’s serving moments.

There’s a praise and prayer wall. Books to borrow. Music that invites conversation, not just noise. With an unspoken request: stay awhile.

“Forget about the world for a bit,” Abel says. “Have a coffee. Talk to a stranger. Read. Be human.”

Frances adds, “Put the phone down. Take it in. Smell the roses… then taste them.”

A menu with a heartbeat

Ask about a “best-seller,” and you’ll get a smile. Xela doesn’t chase trends or crown favorites. Frances cooks how she lives attentively, expressively, and present.

One day it’s spicy, another day it’s bright and fruity. Every dish is plated with intention, and Abel ensures that “wow” lands tableside every single time.

“Her heart is on every plate,” Abel says. “Whether it’s the Velvet Cluck or Le Blue, the picture you see is the plate you get.”

Community in action: arts, advocacy, and opportunity

Xela is more than a bistro. It’s a stage, a gallery, a first chance. Frances and Abel host musicians, painters, and poets, believing the next Beethoven or Picasso might walk through their doors needing exactly one thing: a shot.

“I wish someone would have given me that chance sooner,” Frances says. “So we’re giving it now.”

That same spirit drives their partnership with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. After touring the center and seeing its transparency and impact, they committed to supporting a mission they trust: protecting and advocating for children.

“Children are our future,” Frances says. “We want our giving to actually reach them.”

The real grind and the real joy

Entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy. “It’s a roller coaster,” Frances laughs. “Some days are full, some slow, but it’s something that is ours.” They’ve learned each other’s strengths, with Frances in the kitchen and Abel in the front. They’re both equally honest about the heat of high standards!

“I call her baby Gordon Ramsay,” Abel jokes. “She wants every plate perfect.”

 “Because emotions go on the plate,” Frances replies. “People can taste how we feel.”

Looking ahead: Tea Time, trivia, and placing Duncanville on the map

Xela’s future is as alive as its menu! “Tuesday Tea Time” launches in October, where you will have the chance to dress up, enjoy real china, along with a little ceremony for a city that deserves it. Trivia nights and poetry gatherings are on deck, alongside a steady calendar of artists and community events.

More than anything, they hope Xela helps Duncanville shine.

“Everyone runs to Bishop Arts or Frisco,” Frances says. “But there’s talent here. We’re small and mighty. We’re not forgotten!”

Abel’s invitation is simple: “If you’re thinking of opening a business, then why not here? Give Duncanville a chance. Give its people a chance.”

Rooted in community

As our interview wraps, we ask them to finish this sentence: Being rooted in community means…

Frances doesn’t hesitate: “Success.”

 Abel smiles: “Opportunity.”

Xela Bistro is both.

Let’s create something extraordinary together!