Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesar Perez.
Cesar, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Our restaurant’s story starts with those who came before me: my parents. My parents emigrated from Nicaragua to the US in the mid ’80s in search of a better life. Since then, they’ve both been working in the restaurant industry. As a matter of fact, most of my extended family members have worked in the restaurant industry as well. My maternal aunt and uncle eventually opened up a restaurant of their own, and my parents were a part of that journey.
In the Spring of 2011, I returned from college in Utah, and my mother expressed to me that she’d been working under my aunt for 12 years and desired to open up her own restaurant. I agreed to work alongside her and assured her I would support her in this endeavor. Thus, Chayito’s (named after my mom) was born. And it was a successful establishment for seven years. My father doubled as our butcher and everyone’s favorite delivery man. However, we always dreamed of something bigger… that location limited our kitchen space and customer seating.
Through experience, dedication, and perseverance, we felt we were ready to grow our family business and open up a bigger location… one with a new and improved concept. Yes, we still wanted to feature familiar Nicaraguan flavors, but with a modern twist. This new restaurant’s story would encompass my parent’s journey as well as my own: a Nicaraguan cook who grew up in Miami; who fell in love with making food for others and having them enjoy it. As corny as it may sound, my mother always taught me to cook with love, and that’s what I intend to always do. The Spotted Gallo is a restaurant that spans generations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like all things rewarding, opening this restaurant hasn’t been easy. The first six months have been full of highs and lows. Though I wouldn’t exchange the #GalloFam we’ve built for anything, the sacrifice of what it’s taken to get here is not lost on me. Everyone knows restaurant hours are long–especially when you’re starting up– but having a pregnant wife at home who longs for your presence makes those hours at work longer. I also consider the risk my parents took closing their previously established restaurant to pursue this dream of mine. They continue to work alongside me in the kitchen, putting in equally long hours to make this restaurant successful and stable. To help me better my future and that of my growing family. The Spotted Gallo wouldn’t be The Spotted Gallo without them.
Please tell us about The Spotted Gallo.
At The Spotted Gallo, we serve dishes that feature the familiar flavors of traditional Nicaraguan dishes as well our reimagined takes on those classics. My role is in the kitchen, usually manning the charbroiler, ensuring all proteins are being cooked to perfection, per customers’ orders. I work alongside my family, and that’s probably my favorite part of this whole venture. Whether it’s my mother preparing our perfected cacao, my father selecting the freshest produce, my sister engaging with patrons via social media, my brother waiting tables on busy weekends, my wife lending her financial prowess to the equation, or my sister-in-law completing our latest custom art piece… all are key ingredients to what we’re cooking up at our Nicaraguan Eatery.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Opening day: December 5, 2018.
When I saw the first order come into our kitchen from a dining room full of patrons, I was equal parts excited, nervous, overwhelmed, but assured that this rush and full house was a sign that this endeavor was the right one to pursue.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8758 W Flagler St. Miami Fl 33174
- Website: thespottedgallo.com
- Phone: 3053645032
- Email: marketing@thespottedgallo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespottedgallo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespottedgallo/
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