amarillo chamber of commerce - HPN Books

JORGE’S MEXICAN BAR AND GRILLAt Jorge’s Mexican Bar and Grill the focus ison flavor and customer service. Owner JorgeAlbarran says his competition is himself; heconstantly stays on top of the details of his businessto be the best restaurant possible. He sayscustomers come first and his customers havemade him successful; he greets many customerspersonally. He serves a combination of authenticMexican food and Tex-Mex items as well assome American menu selections. He is particularlyproud of the fajitas, crispy chile relleños,and crispy chimichangas. The restaurant,founded in 2004, has grown dramatically andmoved into a newly constructed 7,000 squarefoot building in 2009 with patio and barspace and room for parties.Albarran attributes the restaurant’s growthto the idea that if food tastes good people willwant to eat it. He credits his brother Jose, whoserves as chief cook, with having the naturaltalent for perfecting the flavor of menu items.Their mother, Maria Campuzano, is also onstaff and brings authenticity to the kitchen.Albarran believes a family operated businessis ideal because when family works together,consistency and quality are the result.Because Albarran has washed dishes,bussed and waited tables, cooked, and tendedbar, he is uniquely qualified to run his ownestablishment. His intimate knowledge of thebusiness gives him an appreciation of his staff;he employs fifty to sixty people. Albarran sayshis employees are happy because he treatsthem like family, recognizes their talents, andgives them the freedom to develop their talentsto the best of their ability.Albarran came to the United States with hisparents when he was fifteen with no knowledgeof English and little education. Heworked two jobs at various restaurantsincluding Santa Fe Restaurant for fifteen yearsall the while saving his money. He continuedsaving and reinvesting until he was self sufficient.He is a self-made man who lovesAmerica and the opportunity it has given him.He believes anyone can succeed in Americabecause success is attainable if a person willjust take advantage of the opportunities available.He believes if people work hard, savetheir money, be financially responsible, anddo not spend more than they make, they canachieve great things in America.Albarran is active in the Amarillo Chamberof Commerce and the Amarillo HispanicChamber of Commerce. He is thankfulfor the loyalty of his Amarillo customersand supports various local charities andchurches. He looks forward to openinganother restaurant in the future. Jorge’sMexican Bar and Grill is located at 6051South Bell Street and more information isavailable at www.jorgesmexican.com.AMARILLO - Faces, Places & Open Spaces260