Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Tavarez.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Picadera was created out of a need for bars and breweries to offer food during the pandemic, as well as a desire to introduce Dominican cuisine to Dallas where there were previously no Dominican restaurants. Now, several years later, Dominican restaurants and food trucks are becoming more common in the DFW area, allowing Dallas residents to experience and appreciate our culture’s food. Currently operating out of a ghost kitchen, we hope to eventually open a physical location that will serve as a welcoming space for our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a restaurant business is no easy feat, especially when trying to navigate through the challenges of the industry. The demanding schedule of planning events, managing catering, and overseeing daily operations can take a toll on personal relationships and free time. The facade of a successful business portrayed on social media often masks the behind-the-scenes struggles and sacrifices that go into it.
One major hurdle faced by Picadera is the reliance on third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, which can significantly cut into profits with their fees and commissions. Encouraging customers to order directly through the restaurant’s website can help reduce costs and offer more affordable prices, but breaking the habit of using convenient delivery apps proves to be a challenge.
Despite the obstacles and hardships, the dedication and passion for sharing Dominican cuisine with the community drive the team at Picadera to persevere and strive for success in the competitive restaurant industry.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Picadera Group?
So, The Picadera Group is all about bringing the taste of the Dominican Republic and Latin America right here to Dallas. We want to give people the chance to try out some amazing food without having to hop on a plane. Our three brands – La Bodega by Picadera, DominiMex by Picadera, and Picadera – offer a mix of Dominican bowls, NYC Bodega classics, Dominican-Mexican fusion, and elevated Dominican street food. And let me tell you, our burgers and fried chicken have even been voted the best in Dallas! We’re all about transporting your taste buds with our authentic & delicious variety of dishes. Order from us, and let us take you on a culinary journey you won’t forget!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a born and raised New Yorker with deep roots in the Dominican Republic – my parents are from there, and fun fact: my cousin is actually the current president of the DR! When I’m not busy with my restaurant ventures, I’m all about music, socializing, and DJing for fun. I love exploring new restaurants, trying out different cuisines, and just being out and about, soaking up the vibes of the city. Love to spend my time with good company, good food, great music, and awesome experiences!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepicaderagroup.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/picadera_dfw
