Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Aviles.
Hi Eli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working there as a busser at the age of 15. I was working over 40 hrs a week and attending school full-time. Throughout my 4 years of high school, I worked all different restaurant positions, including dishwasher and server, and just kept getting promoted. After I graduated high school at age 18, I was offered a manager job, so I took it; a few years later, I was promoted to assistant general manager. In 2007 the owner promoted me the general manager position at one of the most successful and popular Tex-Mex restaurants in round rock. Ever since, it has been a pleasure running this establishment. I work with some great people including my younger brother who helps me run the restaurant and the owners who have fully supported me all these years.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In this industry, nothing is ever smooth. There are always challenges. You have to ensure the business stays profitable, keep your employees happy, and ensure everyone is taking care of our customers. We dealt with covid and had to adjust just like everyone else. In 2020 when covid got bad, and the governor shut all restaurants for dine-in, we had to lay off 50% of our staff. Luckily we got them back later once they allowed us to. Now we’re facing inflation, and thats another challenge for my team and myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of La Margarita Restaurant. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
We were established back in 1988. La Margarita Restaurante serves fresh, authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Our homemade tortillas and mesquite wood-cooked fajitas set us apart from others. We offer family packages and daily specials and stay involved in the community. We also provide offsite catering for up to 300 people. I started with the company 8 years after it opened, and I have treated this restaurant like it’s my own ever since. We have grown with the city and have known so many families over the years, and we thank them for their loyal support.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Determination to work harder than most ensures our team stays focused on our goals. Keep everyone involved, get their input on things, and make them feel part of the team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lamargarita.us/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lamargaritarrtx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lamargaritaroundrocktx?mibextid=LQQJ4d
