We recently had the chance to connect with Enrique Medina and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Enrique, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Getting ready for work, checking emails, greeting all of my employees, and gathering all information on the previous day of business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Enrique Medina and I am one of the owners of Crest Cafe. We are a family owned and operated full service restaurant that serves an array of items. We just celebrated our 43rd anniversary. I am the third generation of the establishment and with that comes a lot of history and a lot of responsibility. My wife and I are also expecting so that marks hopefully a fourth generation of this wonderful cafe! We are always adapting while staying consistent. We find that to be the key in the restaurant business.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My father and my aunt. My father extremely hard working for the last 37 years and is also the kitchen executive here at the Crest Cafe. Then, my aunt Cecelia, the smartest person in the room and extremely passionate about what she does. They have guided me and allowed me to bring my vision to life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Unfortunately, not only for us but I think for most we can say Covid. We were empty, barely hanging on and didn’t know if we would make it through. Fortunately we did. It takes a village but we made it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My wife, my family and my friends. They have shaped me into the person I am today. I care deeply and they all know I would give the shirt off my back for them. I also have to mention the restaurant and who it employs. My second family. The people I actually see the most. We are fortunate to have employees that have been with us for a quite a while. We cherish that. They are an extension of my immediate family.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Our resilience. Never giving up. Many obstacles over 43 years but we always make it through. Me specifically, a family man who I hope every person that walks through that restaurant door knows that I cared. I cared that their stomach was filled with good food and their hearts warmed by each greeting. I love this industry. It’s hard and will test you but it’s so rewarding at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestcafe.com
- Instagram: @crestcafesd
- Facebook: @crestcafehillcrest
