Hidden Gems: Meet Felix Jimenez-Gamez of Mour Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Jimenez-Gamez

Hi Felix, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I came to Austin, TX from Mexico a little over 10 years ago. My very first contact with the restaurant industry was working as a dish washer and I was able to see and understand how the restaurant system works in the US, primarily how important it was for me to learn English. I noticed how differently people were treated based on their background, especially for those who didn’t speak English, me being one of them. I decided I needed to find ways to learn the language while I was working and the only way at that point was self-education. At the time I purchased a Spanish/English dictionary, and I had a goal to learn 10 words every day associated with the restaurant industry. Once I became proficient with English, I was able to work in different positions throughout the restaurant. I found a career in the Austin restaurant industry to be attractive because it is incredibly competitive to provide high quality meals alongside great customer experiences. I’ve worked in different environments where there was a very specific structure already established that I just needed to follow, and I worked in environments where I could develop and create the food, drink, service and ambiance. I found that I flourished in an environment where I was given the privilege for creating concepts. This passion led me to Mour Café where I’ve been able to refocus the company’s vision and develop a model that fits the community and Austin restaurant industry. Above all else, I’ve been able to use my initial experiences in the industry to understand the importance of a business that isn’t only creating experience for a customer but an environment for those who work behind the scenes to make a business work despite anyone’s background.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a journey of experiences where the ambition of knowledge and creativity has blossomed in me where I’ve gained skills to help those I work with to strive for opportunities that may not be easily achieved. One of my initial struggles was the disconnect between my internal ambition to advance within the industry and those in leadership positions who just saw someone with an accent who should be working the back of the house.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The vision for Mour Café was to launch an eclectic menu that would represent the Mexican and Indian roots. Everything starts from the fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking. We are a farm-to-table restaurant with a twist, boasting dishes packed with unforgettable flavors and an Austin sensibility. The ingredients at Mour are sourced responsibly from local farmers and environmentally conscious vendors. Built to infuse the spirit, most dishes are accented by delicious sauces. We’re committed to showcasing the best, locally sourced items. We’re best known for the top rated Latin American street food dish, Tlayuda. Tlayuda is a handmade dish in traditional Oaxacan cuisine, consisting of a large, thin, crunchy, toasted tortilla covered with a spread of refried beans, asiento, chorizo, tomato, watermelon radish, cabbage, avocado, Oaxaca cheese, and salsa. Mour Café takes pride in featuring a bodega dedicated to low intervention, sustainably farmed, additive-free natural wine. Additionally, the bodega offers a small selection of gluten-free and vegan wines which create the perfect paring with our eclectic menu.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Certainly! I have two books in mind from Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist and Eleven Minutes. Something I took away from these books is not to just have one dream. Have multiple dreams and dream big but don’t be disappointed if one of our dreams doesn’t materialize. Another takeaway from these books is to be happy with the things you have and not to be unhappy for the things you wish you had.

Contact Info:

• Email: felix@mourcafe.com
• Website: www.mourcafe.com
• Instagram: mourcafe
• Facebook: MOUR Cafe
• Yelp: Mour Cafe