Today we’d like to introduce you to Enrique.
Hi Enrique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Crest Cafe started in 1982. We bought the restaurant in 1985. My uncle Luis Moreno bought this place and brought his daughter, Cecelia Moreno, and my father, Ruben Medina, on shortly after. Up until 2017 it was the three of them running this wonderful place with the help of loyal employees. When my uncle passed away they reached out to myself and I started in 2018. Easily some of the best years of my life. People say it is difficult to work with family and I just don’t get that here.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Well over the course of almost 43 years there have been plenty of struggles! Most famously, 2008 and Covid. Nothing like either of those two instances. Getting through both of those make everything else look like a breeze. We believe that we can overcome adversity at any instance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do just about everything that involves running a restaurant. So it’s a full list of different items but my my goal every single day is to fill someones heart, mind and stomach. One of my greatest compliments I have ever received is “I come in not only because the food is good, but because you are so good for my mental health”. That really resonated with me and I hope to do that for everyone that walks through the door.
We take pride at being “Everyones Cafe”. All are welcomed like family. We are known for great service and food. In 2013, we were featured on Diners, Drive-in’s & Dives, Highlighting our Butter Burger and Creme Brûlée French Toast.
I am most proud of being here for so long and consistently putting out great food. I’m proud of my employees. They work hard and most of them have relationships with the customers that come in. We take pride in that. I am most proud of that aspect of the business and I believe that’s what sets us apart as well.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
California Restaurant Association provides so many resources. Monthly meetings, a superb website with unlimited resources and a social media presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestcafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestcafesd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crestcafehillcrest/
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/xocG4rK
