Give us a brief background. Where did you grow up?
After growing up in Mexico City, my family decided to relocate to America in 1991. I completed high school in Richardson, Texas and then moved to Dallas where my parents and my younger sister still reside.

Tell us about your family. Are you married? Children?
I have been married to my husband since 2007 and we are the proud parents of the most amazing seven-year-old boy named Gabriel.

How, why and when did you get into the restaurant industry?
I began my path into the restaurant industry by following the footsteps of my brother. He was seeking a position at a local restaurant and I accompanied him to the interview. After his interview, the manager offered me a position, as well. I was able to persuade my dad into allowing me to work on the weekends. However, after working at the restaurant for some time, I received a raise, as well as a new position. From that moment on, I knew I was going to pursue a career in the restaurant industry because I was passionate about my work in that space.

Describe the cuisine at The Capital Grille.
The Capital Grille is a fine-dining restaurant offering dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list. Our Wine Director, Melissa Gandy, is able to properly suggest outstanding food and wine pairings. Our perfectly prepared steaks are dry aged in-house for 18 to 24 days and hand-cut by our very own butcher, Joe Borunda.

You are regarded as a very highly effective manager. What leadership traits do you owe your success to?
Persistence and never taking “no” for an answer is a leadership trait I find the most important. At The Capital Grille, we strive to create an effective team environment, where we are able to learn from each other every day.

As manager of this team, it is also important to continue to train and develop every team member on a daily basis. Also, our guests are our top priority and their feedback continues to allow me to grow as a leader, which, in turn, helps us grow as a restaurant.

The Capital Grille FW is known in the community for its commitment to supporting a variety of philanthropic activities. Can you share with us some of your activities in the community?
From the moment I moved here, I have been in love with Fort Worth. It is not only a great city, but it’s such a giving city, as well. I personally believe in the importance of giving back, as the motto “What goes around comes around,” lies deep within my heart. Charities such as Heart: Board Member to the RMH of Fort Worth, Tarrant County Food Bank, Save Heaven, JPs, Texas Restaurant Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters are a few organizations I am a part of and have truly impacted my career and personal life.

However, I also support many other charities, such as Bras for a Cause, Big Taste of Fort Worth, Main Table, Margarita Ball, Fit Worth, Blue Zones and continue to offer as much of my assistance as needed. In particular, I spend the most time with the Culinary Teams of the Fort Worth Independent School District. It is pretty amazing to watch potential future Chefs or restaurant managers possess leadership skills and passion for the industry that I try to instill in my current team every day. Kids are doing are pretty incredible things and being able to share, lead and teach to these future Chefs and/or restaurant managers is incredibly fulfilling. More kids need leaders like us to show them the way and show them that is possible.

Many people believe customer service is dying in the hospitality industry. How do you respond to that?
Unfortunately, there are many businesses that are more focused on quantity instead of quality. However, at The Capital Grille, every team member believes delivering a great experience is essential at all times for every guest.

What do you believe is the future of the restaurant industry?
An increase in restaurants, innovative ideas, and strategic concepts will continue to drive the future of the restaurant industry.

Who will be the winners?
The restaurants who are able to improve employee and restaurant culture, as well as those that continue to improve the experience of the guests, will continue to dominate the restaurant industry.

Who is your personal hero? Who is your professional hero?
My personal and professional hero is my grandmother, who I especially reached out to for advice related to my career path. From a very young age, she always reminded me of how blessed I was and how important it was to give back to the community. In addition, the growth and the success of my career reflect in the role my grandmother had in my life. She continued to teach me to never take no for an answer and to fight for what I wanted in life with dignity and respect.

Leave us with your favorite quote.
“We are all responsible for the music that we create”

Please share the contact information for The Capital Grille Fort Worth.
The Capital Grille Fort Worth
800 Main Street
Fort Worth TX 76102
817.348.9200