Luis Solano, Felipe's Taqueria, New Orleans
A good restaurant manager is essential to the success of any restaurant, but rarely do managers get the recognition they deserve. The el Restaurante Manager of the Year Contest, now in its eighth year and proudly sponsored by Jarritos, aims to put the spotlight on the best managers of Mexican/Latin restaurants in the United States.
Take for example Luis Solano, first place winner in 2022. He mastered all of the jobs at Felipe’s Taqueria in New Orleans within three years, and was named general manager of the restaurant’s French Quarter location in 2021. Quickly he brought the staff up to top quality, while gaining their respect.
“Luis is amazing, he manages his restaurant with ease, has respect from all his team, and cares for each and every one of them,” wrote Katie Gerig, the restaurant’s catering event manager, when she nominated Luis. “Our French Quarter location is a well-oiled machine because of his skill and management style and oversight. We are lucky to have him!”
Or consider Celina Jimenez, second place winner in 2021. For about three years she worked a variety of positions at Joselito’s Mexican Food in Tujunga, California before she was asked to make the jump to general manager. She handled it masterfully.
Celina Jimenez
“What impressed me the most about Celina early on was how well she gets it,” wrote Jose Grijalva, the restaurant’s owner, in his nomination form. “She understands the business in her heart and knows what it takes to keep it successful. Celina can jump in the bar, wash dishes, prep food, plate food, and that does not even begin to mention her skill in the front of house. Customers love Celina and she knows everyone’s names.”
Do you have a manager like Luis or Celina? If so, make sure they know that you recognize them by entering them in the 2023 el Restaurante Manager of the Year Contest. There is no charge, and completing the application just takes a few minutes. The top three candidates receive cash prizes and are profiled in the Nov/Dec issue of el Restaurante, but every nominated manager receives a beautiful certificate, even if they’re not in the top three! Don’t wait – nominations are now being accepted at www.elrestaurante.com/2023-manager-contest. The deadline is September 8, 2023.