2021 Independent Contest logo
Owners of independent Mexican restaurants are vital members of their communities – they employ people, serve remarkable food, contribute their time and money, and otherwise make their communities better. But they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. A new contest co-sponsored by el Restaurante magazine and Jarritos will honor these key individuals and families.
“We have admired the strength, talents and integrity of Mexican restaurant owners since we launched el Restaurante magazine more than two decades ago,” says Ed Avis, the magazine’s publisher. “So we are delighted to partner with Jarritos in this special contest that will recognize their contributions to society.”
The el Restaurante/Jarritos Independent Mexican Restaurant Owner of the Year Contest will honor three owners of Mexican restaurants who exhibit a commitment to serving their community, supporting their employees, and creating culturally authentic cuisine.
“We are excited about sponsoring this contest because we strive to champion the communities we come from, live in and do business with,” says Eric Delamare, marketing director for Jarritos. “This contest will shine a light on the owners of local, independent restaurants who are champions of culture in their communities and who should get credit for it.”
The contest is open to any owner of a Mexican or other Latin-cuisine restaurant with 10 or fewer locations. Restaurant owners are welcome to nominate themselves and nominations are being encouraged from restaurant customers, employees, and other people who know of a deserving restaurant owner. There is no cost to nominate, and the nomination form and rules can be found at https://elrestaurante.com/2021-Independent-Contest. The deadline for nominations is August 15, 2021.
First, second and third place winners will be selected. The winners will receive recognition through articles in el Restaurante magazine and www.elrestaurante.com and through social media. They also will receive a cash prize of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second and $1,000 for third, as well as a Jarritos cooler and a supply of Jarritos.
“We know that owning a Mexican restaurant is a labor of passion for many people,” Avis says. “And this new contest is designed to highlight owners who truly exhibit that passion.”