638: Larry & Jessica Delgado on Consistency and Enthusiasm

Combined, the Delgado's have over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. In 2008 the couple moved to McAllen, TX and opened house. wine. & bistro., a refined New American bistro in McAllen, TX. The Delgado's unwavering attention to detail and genuine commitment to the community has translated to 10 years of successfully propelling the culinary diversity of McAllen and the Rio Grand Valley. Following the success of house. wine. & bistro., The Delgado's opened SALT – New American Table in December 2013 and Salome in 2019.

Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra:

• Larry: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
• Jessica: "Honor your team members."

In this episode with Larry & Jessica Delgado we will discuss:

• Enthusiasm
• Growth and scaling
• The Delgado's backstory
• The love of cooking
• Early mentors
• Trusting your gut
• The right way to interview and hire
• Learning from their time at Caraba's
• FOH and BOH advice
• Consistency
• Gaining the capital to open your own restaurant
• Upcoming markets
• Partnerships
• Dealing with mayhem
• You need a VISION
• Listen to the market

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Jessica: Hospitality
   • Larry: Courage
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Jessica: Vulnerability
   • Larry: Don't know my own weaknesses
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • What is the most expensive thing in a restaurant? Best answer: an empty seat
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Growth, beyond three restaurants
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Lead with integrity
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Everyone comments on our water service and doors beingnopened for guests
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
8. What's the one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough?
   • Take care of their team
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your four walls restaurant and how has it influence operations?
   • Open Table, HotSchedule
10. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    • Make an impact on your community
    • Live life with enthusiasm
    • Be a good steward

Contact info:

Email: info@delgadocollective.com

Website: DelgadoCollective

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Larry & Jessica Delgado for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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