Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose and Daniel Badillo.
Chef Danny started his passion within 1979 Downtown FW Petroleum Club in which he spent over two decades moving quickly through the years and becoming second in command as Sou-Chef. But there was more though that Danny wanted to experience, he wanted his dream of owning his own place someday to become reality. So Danny and his wife Rose still working their downtown jobs decided to purchase with a tax return check a used catering truck, and started with small outdoor catering events and grew well into as large as 450 guest weddings.
But in 1999, Danny decided to resign from the Petroleum Club and Rose along with him also resigned her downtown corporate American jobs. They opened their first diner in River Oaks Tx short lived less than one year, moving quickly to 2700 W. 7th Street so from 2000-2007, they leased this spot as a daytime diner serving breakfast & lunch 6 days a week with homestyle comfort foods. Though West 7th street has come a long way, when they leased the building in this area it was very dilapidated (homeless people and stray dogs roamed), though again they fought the odds of not giving up on their dream.
The first two years in this building they were offered by the building owners the option to purchase at the location @ 95,000, and of course that was short lived after few years there was not more offers to purchase and by June 2007, they were delivered a letter asking them to move within 30 days and property had sold to big developer. Once again the roller coaster ride was on again where they go and with what money? This went on for a week till sadly decided that financially they could not bear the financial move to another location.
Chef Danny already had an interview for a position as chef somewhere downtown, and Rose decided she needed a mental break and wanted to take a few months off before she decided where to go from here. It was hard being a mother, business women, business operator and wearing many other hats in this business requirements of small proprietor. But Rose was very disappointed the amount of energy, (401K personal investment money) time lost from family & friends had to end in this way.
Rose woke up the next morning and started writing a letter back to the landlord giving over the property, as she brushed her hair this morning and speaking with God in silence, to tell him how hurt she was about the outcome but as she continued to brush her hair she made peace with it. She asked that it be God’s will to please send them a divine intervention before to delivery the letter to the landlords same day. So they worked that day just like any other usual business day.
After closing for the day Rose sat down and started in on letter to the landlord explaining how they would abide and return the property over before 30 days. Midway down the letter Rose heard a knock on the door it was Mrs. Marty Leonard, well known Fort Worth Philanthropist, great strong women very well know to FW, they had been working some catering jobs for her around Christmas time and she really had taken favorite to them and their work, from time to time she enjoyed Chef D house ” tomato Basil soup”.
So they quickly opened the door. She quickly approached us and said ” I heard your moving” They replied yes, they must as the building is sold to developers for 1.8 millions dollars. She said what will you do? And Rose replied and explained how they had come to an end unfortunately. There was no more money to support the financial move and they had applied from small business loans and they were declined. She asked what do you and Chef D want to do? They replied well like she said she won’t be reopening anywhere else. She replied very politely ” What do you and Chef D want?”
Rose replied she we would love to stay in business but there is no possible way. She had a local family owned museum 6 block down the street from them. She invited them to come over and look at the stop just next door to the museum the very next day. So with much excitement sure enough they did, though the spot was small but very do-able. She liked the idea of having a eatery next door to her Leonard Department Store Museum and if they accepted she could help them manage in obtaining a small business loan to have the diner built out.
So they gladly accepted and construction began July 2007. They opened the doors for business in Nov 2008 naming the diner after Marty Leonards (father & uncle first initial) M&O Station Grill. She stated why M&O it’s your place? Marty said name it what you like, so they replied and said they want to thank Marty in this form by naming the grill M&O so they always continue to share your families history of fathers tributes to Fort Worth (Mr. Marvin Leonards and his brother Obie). They have been in business at the M&O Station Grill for 10 years now and the relationship is only stronger between them and Mrs. Leonard, its a place where they serve good food and good history.
Chef Danny and Rose have had many many reviews and awards throughout the years with recognition to diner style burgers, artisan sandwiches, soups, homemade pies and hand whipped milkshakes. www.bestburgersfortworth.com, but the story doesn’t stop here much as been sacrificed and too many dreams still in store for M&O Station Grill future restaurant. They are hoping that their children will carry the tradition as passionately as Chef Danny & Rose do for many more generations to come.
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?
Struggles were very real, it truly like the saying mind or what matters! Its better explained in the story.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the M&O Station Grill story. Tell us more about the business.
What sets up apart is Chef D knowledge and passion for food over 39 years, M&O Grill has built a reputation for Gourmet Burgers, house burgers, soups and the best house recipe chili in the state of Texas. We specialize in relationships with people, providing great food and the best history of Downtown Fort Worth. All in one stop called ” DINE AND TOUR”.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck is a man-made work, its hard work, faith. Luck runs dry and faith is forever.
Pricing:
- Entree pricing $12-20
- Free Admission to the museum
Contact Info:
- Address: 200 Carroll Street Suite #100
Fort Worth Texas 76107 - Website: www.bestburgersfortworth.com
- Phone: 817 882 8020
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: mostationgrill
- Facebook: MandOgrill
- Twitter: @MOGrill
- Yelp: M&O Station Grill
Image Credit:
Fort Worth Business Press
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