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GROVES — The Groves Chamber of Commerce named Silvia’s Tacos as the 2020 Groves Small Business of the Year.

Chamber members surprised owner Miguel Lerma with a gift card and the announcement outside the taco shop Tuesday afternoon.

“It was surprising,” Lerma said. “I didn’t expect that, but it feels good to be recognized. It makes me feel really good about coming to work every day and getting up at 3 a.m. to serve our community. It makes my job easier and more enjoyable when people come and tell us they like the food we serve, so it’s an honor for sure.”

Groves Chamber of Commerce President Ronnie Boneau said the vote was unanimous.

“They were a new business,” Boneau said. “We held a ribbon cutting for them and then of course, unfortunately, the accident happened and what a tragedy that was.”

A couple months after the taco shop opened on the corner of Taft Avenue and 32nd Street in Groves, Miguel Lerma, his wife Janett and 12-year-old daughter, Mia, were hit head-on by a drunk driver Dec. 1 coming back from a family vacation in Mexico.

Janett and Mia suffered extensive injuries and both are still recovering at home.

After taking some time off work, Lerma returned to Silvia’s Tacos in March.

“There would be nothing wrong if we called it a Small Comeback Business of the Year because that’s what they really did,” Boneau said.

Miguel Lerma said receiving the recognition makes all the heartache, trial and tribulations worth it.

“It makes things a whole lot better,” he said. “After such a hard situation, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and good things to mention. We adapt to every situation and maintain a positive attitude. There is always going to be something good at the end of every bad situation, and this is one of those things.”

Miguel said he is continuing to look forward to the future of the business and the wellness of his family.

“One of my philosophies is, ‘Work harder than you did yesterday,’” he said. “If you did good today, do great tomorrow. There is always going to be something to deal with. Nothing is perfect, but you have to shoot for perfection anyway and get as close as you can.”

Silvia’s Tacos serves all day breakfast and lunch options from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The menu offers traditional Mexican tacos and daily specials.

“I want the Groves Chamber of Commerce to know that I am thankful for this experience,” Lerma said. “It’s a really humbling feeling and without all hard work that my employees have done, I wouldn’t be able to make all this possible. They deserve a lot of credit, too. This shows everyone that the hard work is paying off. A recognition like this speaks for itself.”