'Pancho Claus' surprises seafood restaurants with gifts

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Over the weekend, two Mambo Seafood restaurants received a surprise visit from Pancho Claus.

Spreading holiday cheer, an Eyewitness News viewer sent in a video of Pancho Claus giving away gifts at the Houston and Katy locations.

Pancho Claus is described as the Tex-Mex cousin to Santa, and Richard Reyes plays the role to perfection.

"It began with a play in 1981 at Ripley House in east Houston," he recalled. He added a band, and then the part he played took on new importance.

Reyes has kept the tradition alive for nearly 40 years.

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