We’re looking forward to introducing you to Frank Vizcarra. Check out our conversation below.
Frank, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What it takes to create great food that most people can afford.
To make this possible, we work closely with our suppliers to communicate our expectations in order to achieve the desired outcomes. We ask them to become familiar with our food
standards in order to provide us the raw product needed to create amazing flavors that pleasantly surprise our guests. We asked and trained our people to be passionate about what we do weather is working on prep, cooking, creating syrups and cordials for our cocktails, washing dishes or serving our guests.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My role is to grow the LOLA 55 brand. I do that by protecting its integrity, promoting its passion for food and building a culture where our people feel safe and valued. At LOLA 55 our people are first.
We are passionate about food. We are always learning through research and experimentation. This year alone we have taken three trips to Mexico City and two trips to Oaxaca to visit most of their Michelin Bib Gourmand one Michelin star restaurants and for our chefs to spend time in some of the best kitchens learning from our Mexican chef friends.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My mother, LOLA, always believed in me. She taught me the importance of responsibility and hard work from an early age. She allowed me to start working at age 10 as a street vendor in the streets of Tijuana and as a bag boy at a grocery store. She was a tireless worker committed to providing to her children. She allowed me to move to Mexico City to pursue a better education when I was sixteen years old. She hid her fears well and made my development a priority. She trusted me to do the right thing.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the importance of loyal unconditional friendships. When we were without food, our neighbors fed us, When I needed direction and guidance my older friends and mentors provided it. When I was in need as a new immigrant to America, my older brother’s friends made it possible for me to go to college which led to being discovered as an elite athlete which led to professional soccer, which led to my lifelong mentor, which led to my career in business which led to founding a scholarship program for underprivileged students in partnership with the Barrio Logan College Institute and the Opportunity Foundation.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
My relationship with God. I have always felt His presence in my life. The fundamental foundation of my life is built on the gospel of Jesus. It is my true north. I have heard His voice since I was a child. The voice that has gotten me out of trouble, the voice that has led me to the right friendships, the voice that has given me the solutions to solve problems in work and life. All that I have accomplished in my life has been possible because of His ongoing presence in my life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
He made a difference in the lives of people, family, friends, employees and strangers. He cared about the people around him.
Image Credits
None. All the pictures were taken by me
