Today we’d like to introduce you to John McBride.
Hi John, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My family owned El Fenix, and I grew up in the restaurant business. Went to SMU and worked for a restaurant named Andrews after college. Met my wife (she was a summertime waitress) and we moved to NYC in 1990 to open Tex-Mex in the city. Opened our first take-out place Enchilada Johnny’s on 82nd and 2nd in 1993 and a full-service restaurant Johnny Tejanos on 93rd and 3rd in 1997.
Sold the restaurants and became partner at Rosa Mexicano and stayed with them until I returned to Dallas in 2004. Went back to work for family at El Fenix and decided to sell company on 2004. Partnered with new ownership for 3 years and afterwards opened The LOT in East Dallas in 2013 and El Vecino in 2017. My chef Charley Cid has been with me since 1991 when we worked at an American restaurant called Ruppert’s.
We have 2 girls with one living in NYC and working in the consulting world and the other finishing her last year at Notre Dame. Neither will enter the restaurant business so El Vecino will be my last venture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart. But once in your blood it is hard to get out. Today’s environment is especially tough with shortage of labor and high supply costs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Restaurants are constantly in motion. You meet new people every day and if all goes well…instant gratification. I grew up in Tex Mex and it is still my passion. Mexican food has evolved but still nothing compares to cheese enchiladas covered in chili con carne with rice and beans on the side and a cup of queso to dip your chips into. True Texas comfort food!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never take anything for granted. Our job is to please the guest each and every day so you’re only as good as your last shift.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elvecinotexmex.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elvecinotexmex
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElVecinoTexMexEastDallas
Image Credits
Leah Monet
