Russel Ybarra, owner of Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas restaurants, faced a difficult situation back in 1993. Taking over a failing restaurant establishment with a hefty monthly payment, he focused on delivering quality products and top-notch customer service rather than profits. This approach differentiated them in the crowded TexMex industry and laid the groundwork for Gringo’s triumph.
This turned out to be a successful strategy and the company grew to more than 2600 employees. Ybarra acknowledged his team’s importance and credited their hard work for its success. Ybarra appreciates all his workers and promotes a culture of trust, empowerment, and ongoing development. He attributes his success to teamwork, leadership, and constantly striving to improve.
Russel Ybarra leads by constantly improving, learning from his mistakes, and seeking guidance from different outlets. He shares his wisdom and advice to future business owners, stressing the importance of looking ahead, caring for workers, and embracing and learning from errors to progress.
Ybarra works alongside and supports other TexMex operators, as he believes in uplifting the industry collectively. His rise from modest origins to culinary triumph illustrates the impact of dedication, determination, and a focus on quality. Ybarra’s emphasis on people, teamwork, and adaptability will be a source of inspiration for future generations. The Enchilada Entrepreneur’s recipe for success goes beyond just the restaurant industry, providing valuable insights for anyone aiming for greatness.
Here is the entire conversation with Russel Ybarra:
