by: Kristin Schmitt
Owner of the very successful Lindo Mexico Restuarante, Gricelda Mata talks about coming into her own in the restaurant business. Lindo Mexico, famous for its fresh authentic flavors and signature Margaritas has earned its much deserved recognition. From a startup Mexican restaurant to winning business of the year award as well as business person of the year award, Mata has shown what it takes to succeed in the industry. It is more than these awards that makes this enterprising establishment run. Read on about how Mata’s family, community, and employees helped her come into her own as a reputable Grand Rapids restaurant owner. Mata tells her success story with Farándula Magazine about starting from the bottom up. Learn about how letting go of old dreams not only makes the way for new dreams, but a lifelong passion in a career.
FarándulaMag: How did you start your career path as a restaurant owner?
GM: It wasn’t my goal to be a restaurant owner. This happened because I took a chance. Being an architect or an attorney… that was my dream. Thinking about all the time and the financial resources that would require and my family couldn’t provide that. So this situation took me to another path. I got into the restaurant business because of my brother Chris. He saw this place on Clyde Park and 28th and said, “hey I saw this spot over there you could open a restaurant!” and I was like, “sure, why not.”
FarándulaMag: What was your experience with the restaurant industry?
GM: My dad had been in the restaurant business previously. We had helped him somehow, a little bit at home. We grew up in that environment. I attribute all that I am today to my brother Chris. It was because of him that I started and I took a chance. That has led me to discover who I am. Even though, at that time I didn’t know that this is what I actually like I just went with my gut and what felt right. And this is where I am today.
FarándulaMag: What are some challenges of being a restaurant owner?
GM: Where do I start? Many times we have a dream. We have this idea that we want to open our own business but we don’t have the knowledge or the resources that we need. Especially the financial resources. That is a big block for us. Especially minority owned businesses. When we started we started using our savings. That’s been a big challenge.
When we started the hardest thing was finding resources for small business owners and finding mentors to learn how to grow. It was very challenging. Again, I didn’t have the background. My dad owned a restaurant, but I didn’t know how to run one. But, somehow, you have that feeling inside of you that doesn’t let you give up.
FarándulaMag: What has been your greatest professional success?
GM: I think professionally I have to say that it’s been the recognition that Lindo Mexico has had through different awards received. We were one of the finalists for customer service in the Celebration Cinema award . The community award, the business of the year award, the business person of the year award . But for me, personally, it’s the ability to provide jobs for families. That’s bigger than anything else – that you are able to support the economy to make your surroundings better.
FarándulaMag: We know that success and reputation are key in the restaurant industry. How do you motivate your staff to maintain great customer service?
GM: It is a constant thing. It is not a one-time thing. You have to keep implementing programs, and you have to know your staff. Every single person who works here has a personality. What works for one person might not work for the other. So getting to know their personalities and getting to know them has been a good thing for us. My manager Gabby has been a key player here. With her and my other management team we try to get to know our customers. “How can we help you? What can we do for you?” We have an open door policy where they can come in if anyone has any issues. It’s supporting them personally and showing them that we care.
FarándulaMag: A restaurant can be expensive and require resources. What advice do you have for someone looking to open their own restaurant?
GM: First of all, make sure that’s what you want to do. Be sure that’s your passion. It tests you in so many levels. If you don’t have that passion, you are never going to make it. Even if you have the financial resources, you need that passion. You need to wake up every day and say I can do this. I have this challenge, but I know I can overcome it.
Also get to know yourself. Know your strengths, your weaknesses, and work with them. If you are not good at something- that is okay. That is why we look for resources in our area. Find the people to help you.
