Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Lopez.
Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved “numbers” and was exposed to the restaurant industry in my childhood. While attending college, I got a part-time restaurant bookkeeping job with El Torito Restaurants. I became full time and worked my way up to Office Coordinator for all the El Torito Restaurants in San Diego. I was in charge of 8 sites. A corporate decision was made to combine Los Angeles and San Diego and I decided to move on.
I worked for the China Camp restaurant that was located in Little Italy with the Fat Family from Sacramento as their Office Manager for about a year. Seen an ad in the paper for an Administrative Manager position here at George’s at the Cove. Applied & was hired on March 8, 1993.
In 2015, George & Trey decided to open Galaxy Taco in the La Jolla Shores. I take care of this restaurant too. It’s my baby.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was somewhat smooth. This industry was very male-dominated back in the 80’s and 90’s and there were not very many women in Management positions. I am lucky that I worked with some very respectful and knowledgeable male colleagues. Being a young female in this industry back then had its challenges with being heard and having a voice. I stood my ground on many occasions with implementing new procedures or changes.
My advice is always to listen to your gut feeling. You will make mistakes, as I did, but you learn and tread on. Believe me when I say that I learned by trial and error.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with George’s at the Cove – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Restaurant Controller for one of best restaurants in the country. I am responsible for the financial statements and all accounting aspects of the restaurant. Payroll and HR are in my area, too. I work closely with the owners with capital projects and balance year-end with our CPA. It might sound boring but there is never a dull moment. Seriously.
I have a very strong work ethic with loyalty. You just do not see that anymore with this young generation.
I do have to love the people that work in this crazy industry too.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Sometimes, you have to create the opportunity. If so, then you work hard to achieve and maintain that opportunity. There are many out there to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.georgesatthecove.com
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Gloria Jean Nieto
May 21, 2018 at 4:19 am
Monica is my cousin and ever since she was a teen she had goals and she fulfilled them. She started as a hostess for El Toritos and worked he way up rapidly. She is a well educated SDSU alumni and her family is very proud of her accomplishments.Georges on the Cove have a very committed employee and is doing an excellent job in Management.