Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfredo Mondragon.
Hi Alfredo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I was young, I always reminded myself to never give up and work hard to have a dream. In Mexico, the way I was raised was pretty tough we have to work hard to survive. Dreams there were hard to pursue with little opportunities. My story started like any other immigrant when I came into the U.S. and began working a low paying job. I started as a dishwasher in the Embassy Suite Hotel located in Dallas. My experience and love in the kitchen began there when I was able to help around in the kitchen like prepping, cutting vegetables, and helping cater events. Even working primarily as a dishwater, it was pretty difficult, but I was able to learn to adapt quickly in one week. My manager saw something in me and introduced me into the kitchen and in less than a month, I learned to cook breakfast in the kitchen. That motivated me to continue my hard work and to keep learning more because life never stops teaching. If you were to tell the young me that my dream and passion begins in the kitchen, I wouldn’t believe you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first bump in my road was coming into a country with a whole different language and learning to speak it. With no family members here to help me along the way, I learned by memorizing the more commonly everyday words. Coming into a country and living in a roof with many people was difficult. I was ready to become independent and create privacy for my partner and create a family. I began saving money for important things like purchasing a car because it was difficult transporting in a bus and being able to afford an apartment. But even as a beginning entrepreneur there is struggles along the road but it’s an opportunity to overcome a challenge, learn, and grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Apart from being a family-owned business, the food that we offer is a combination of all my experience I learned throughout my years in the kitchen. I’m proud to express that my last name inspired me to add it into my business name, where I want others to remember us. I want customers not only to come and enjoy the food but to know that family is maintained and built through love because it’s the greatest blessing. I wanted my menu to include my Mexican culture but also my children’s favorite American plates. Dragon’s Burger House is a place where you get the best of both worlds where you can enjoy a delicious burger or sandwich and also enjoy authentic Mexican street tacos.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success is having to work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Above all believing in myself because everything is possible with the faith of God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/dragonsburgerhouse
