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Travel a mere thirty miles west of Houston and you'll discover a town that pales in size to its big city neighbor, but is thriving with a rich heritage of culture and people. |
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Katy Business Leaders
Twenty-seven years ago, a young man came to Houston with the hope of forging a better life for himself. At the time, he was looking to explore the vast opportunities he had heard were available to people in America. Little did he know that years later, he would play a large part in the entrepreneurial spirit that is essential to the continued growth of our nation.
ENTREPRENEUR ARCHIVE -- Al Johnson, Jason Yeow, Pat Harris: SBA Lending -- Robert Kramer: Banker -- Amber Gustafson: Jeweler -- Dr. James Jacobs: Podiatric Physician -- Gildardo Leon: Restauranteur -- Bruce Reichstein: Mortgage, Banking, Internet
After running the gamut of jobs that were available to an immigrant without a firm grasp on the language in this new country, Gildardo Leon found some degree of success in the restaurant business - a step in a direction that would start him on the road to a new life and better opportunities in a new country. He began as a dishwasher at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Houston and, while he enjoyed his job, the owner of the restaurant suggested that he might also try his hand at bussing tables. After bussing tables for six months, Leon moved into the position of waiter, which he held for twelve years. Following a trip home to Mexico, Leon came back to Houston with his wife and young children and took a job as headwaiter at another Mexican restaurant called Lupe Tortilla, where he eventually became the assistant manager. Viewing each step on his journey as an opportunity to learn something, Leon worked hard to grasp the ins and outs of the business aspect of running a restaurant. It wasn't long before he began to wonder if he and his wife, Maria, could invent recipes and prepare food that was as good as or better than the food he served night after night to his customers. Soon they started developing recipes in the kitchen of their one bedroom apartment and Leon began inviting some of his best customers over to sample the food. The response was better than they had expected, and Leon and his wife set to work on making the dream of opening their very own Mexican restaurant a reality. A good restaurant is more than a great menu, however. Leon's brother-in-law is a carpenter and he agreed to teach him how to make the tables, chairs, and other furniture that would be needed for the restaurant. Leon asked his neighbor for the use of his garage to use as a workspace. With each completed table and chair, their restaurant dream was one step closer to becoming a reality. A space at the corner of Mason Road and Cimarron Parkway became the first home to El Jarrito Restaurant y Cantina on November 28, 1998. In 2002 and 2003, Leon's restaurant was named by citysearch.com as the best Mexican restaurant in the Houston area. Today, what began as a dream has blossomed into a restaurant that has expanded to a new location in the Katy area. It is a favorite among Katy residents. "I've been dreaming of this forever," Leon said. "Ever since I was a busboy and a waiter, I've believed that I could make better food than what I'm serving." Mayor Doyle Callender and his wife, Kay, are regulars at the restaurant and recently declared August 11, the opening date of the new El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant at 21724 Highland Knolls Drive, "El Jarrito Day." Leon and his staff even enjoyed a visit from Texas Governor Rick Perry who stopped in to enjoy some great Mexican food and take part in the restaurant's grand opening. Of his success Leon said, "If I can make this dream a reality, anybody can do the same. Dreams like this improve this country. It's important to be educated and work hard for your dreams." |
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Movie Schedule at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, now in Katy.
For the best names in shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit Katy Mills Mall. Monday thru Saturday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm ----------- Sundays 11:00 am - 6:00 pm ----------- 5000 Katy Mills Circle Katy, Texas 77494
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