Tbt el…Hustle
The Dream.
The idea for TBT El Gallo began when was I a teenager working my first ever kitchen job. I found kitchens to be this beautiful, insane, and fascinating place to be and I was immediately captivated. Throughout my entirely career in restaurants and hospitality I never lost sight of my original dream, which was to open a “totally badass taqueria.”
The process.
I’ve done almost every job in a restaurant from back of house and front of house. My career has taken me from Richmond to Detroit and To Washington DC. I’ve loved every step of my career and I’m blessed that it finally brought back home to Richmond
The Journey.
I started TBT El Gallo with my last $850 bucks. On a whim, I bought a grill, tent, and tables and had my first pop-up event at a local farmer’s market. After series of events, I discovered myself as a cook and TBT El Gallo was born and once I embraced my approach to cooking Mexican food, it really took off. After 92 pop-up events, we were finally able to open our first location.
Meet El Gallo!
. “El Gallo” is a family nickname that was given to me because apparently my grandfather thought I looked like a rooster when I was born. Ever since I first stepped into a kitchen when I was a teenager, I knew that I wanted to open my own restaurant. My career has taken me to a few different cities, including Detroit where I met my wife and to DC where I really gained confidence in myself as a restaurant professional but I’m blessed to be able to open my dream restaurant in a city that I’m grateful to call home.
Culinary Style
I am a Mexican Chef.
Everything I cook reflects that. I am proud of the tradition and heritage that defines my culinary approach but at the same time, I view Mexican food extremely differently than my parents and grandparents. I love taking classic Mexican flavors and reimaging them in a fresh, daring, and modern way.
I am an imaginative cook who is well versed in New American cuisine with southern sensibilities, who seeks to elevate classic Mexican street/comfort foods.
