Amarillo: Faces, Places & Open Spaces

JORGE’S MEXICAN BAR AND GRILL
At Jorge’s Mexican Bar and Grill the focus is
on flavor and customer service. Owner Jorge
Albarran says his competition is himself; he
constantly stays on top of the details of his business
to be the best restaurant possible. He says
customers come first and his customers have
made him successful; he greets many customers
personally. He serves a combination of authentic
Mexican food and Tex-Mex items as well as
some American menu selections. He is particularly
proud of the fajitas, crispy chile relleños,
and crispy chimichangas. The restaurant,
founded in 2004, has grown dramatically and
moved into a newly constructed 7,000 square
foot building in 2009 with patio and bar
space and room for parties.
Albarran attributes the restaurant’s growth
to the idea that if food tastes good people will
want to eat it. He credits his brother Jose, who
serves as chief cook, with having the natural
talent for perfecting the flavor of menu items.
Their mother, Maria Campuzano, is also on
staff and brings authenticity to the kitchen.
Albarran believes a family operated business
is ideal because when family works together,
consistency and quality are the result.
Because Albarran has washed dishes,
bussed and waited tables, cooked, and tended
bar, he is uniquely qualified to run his own
establishment. His intimate knowledge of the
business gives him an appreciation of his staff;
he employs fifty to sixty people. Albarran says
his employees are happy because he treats
them like family, recognizes their talents, and
gives them the freedom to develop their talents
to the best of their ability.
Albarran came to the United States with his
parents when he was fifteen with no knowledge
of English and little education. He
worked two jobs at various restaurants
including Santa Fe Restaurant for fifteen years
all the while saving his money. He continued
saving and reinvesting until he was self sufficient.
He is a self-made man who loves
America and the opportunity it has given him.
He believes anyone can succeed in America
because success is attainable if a person will
just take advantage of the opportunities available.
He believes if people work hard, save
their money, be financially responsible, and
do not spend more than they make, they can
achieve great things in America.
Albarran is active in the Amarillo Chamber
of Commerce and the Amarillo Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. He is thankful
for the loyalty of his Amarillo customers
and supports various local charities and
churches. He looks forward to opening
another restaurant in the future. Jorge’s
Mexican Bar and Grill is located at 6051
South Bell Street and more information is
available at www.jorgesmexican.com.
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