Tania's “33” mexican restaurant has been a West-side staple at 614 N. Grande Ave for more than 25 years.

In addition to owning and operating Tania's, Lira became a real estate agent nine years ago and he has managed to intertwine his two businesses.

Signs on the walls of Tania's tell patrons if they buy a house he'll buy them food. Five hundred dollars worth of food in addition to a one year home warranty.

“I wanted to do more,” Lira said. “If you are lucky they [real estate agents] will give you a calendar with their picture on it.”

Lira's newest marketing tool is the “Green Card,” which is designed to promote environmentally friendly living.

Conserving the environment is an important issue for Lira.

“We want people to think about it and start here and now,” Lira said. “Doing little things to help the environment is the most important thing.”

Lira's “Green Card” offers patrons several ways to qualify for different savings methods.

If a customer brings in their used plastic bags, aluminum cans, used paper or used cooking oil to convert to biodiesel, they qualify. If the customer bikes, walks, rides the bus, or drives their hybrid car to Tania's, they also qualify for the “Green Card” discount.

There is a $2.99 minimum purchase, but those who qualify can get a free “cold plate” which is a wrapped up meal designed to be reheated at home or work. Other discounts include 10 percent off the entire order, free chips and salsa, a free value burrito or a free 16 ounce drink.

Tania's prices range from $2.99 for a pequeño burrito to $8.49 for a breakfast plate of Machaca. Tania's has various lunch specials for $3.99 and eight soups each day.

Tania's is open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. everyday except Sunday when they close at 3 p.m.