Today we’d like to introduce you to Socorro Dismore.
Socorro, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story so far consists of a loving family and a number of fulfilling professional successes, such as the opening of my new restaurant, managing real estate and owning one of the premier uniform companies in the metroplex, Levines. But the beginning of my story is not unlike that of other immigrants.
My family—which includes 11 brothers and sisters—came to Dallas in 1981 seeking a better future. I am one of the youngest children, and as a little girl, I would listen to conversations among my older siblings about working in restaurants. It seemed an exciting world to me! When I turned 16, I started helping my mom make tamales, which she would then sell for extra income—50 dozen every day. I remember her telling me how people always told her she should open her own restaurant and how that was a dream for her. I bought my first car with money I earned helping my mom, but she never fulfilled her dream. I suppose, in a way, I did that for her because those days in the kitchen helping and the overheard conversations planted that seed in me. While the idea was never far from the surface, it took me a while to make the dream come true with the recent opening of Cocos.
When I was 16, I also started to work at Levines Department Stores. I ended up staying there and five years ago, I had the opportunity to buy into the company. Now Levines sells uniforms for area schools, both public and private. I changed Levines from a fashions store to one that better serves the community where it’s located and has potential for continued growth.
I feel blessed to have been able to accomplish all of this because I never went to college. With my GED in hand a passion and ambition fueling my heart, I set out to make something of myself and someone of whom my children would be proud. I am proud to own and to have grown a company that has been around for 100 years this year. I am proud to have accomplished so much in my life, always having the Lord by my side.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I always tell my children, “If it’s worth it, valuable and good for you, it’s never going to be easy.”
At first, the struggle was that I didn’t know how to start establishing a new restaurant. That industry is not easy, but I am fortunate that during my life, I have met a lot of people and gained friends who recognized that I needed them and who taught me what I needed to open Cocos. Whenever I found an obstacle or doubted myself in the process, I always found a helping hand to guide.
In life, I have learned that you don’t have to be the smartest, the best looking, or the most fortunate, though I am certainly fortunate. You just have to have a dream that turns into a plan for which you are prepared to work hard. It wasn’t a completely smooth process, but—as with any business—if you work hard, believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who know more than you do, and are always prepared to learn and be flexible, anything is possible.
Cocos Fire & Ice – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cocos is if a very special place to me and my family, and I hope that those who visit us see that it can be their special place, too.
I wanted a restaurant where we would serve the things that I love, like tamales, fish tacos, shrimp cocktail, my mom’s recipes! But I also wanted something she would be proud of; something that would show her that all her sacrifices in bringing us to this country of opportunity and her teachings will live on. This restaurant is as much her legacy as it is mine—she taught me hard work, to unconditionally help and serve others—and that is what Cocos is all about.
Cocos is in the heart of Oak Cliff in the Bishop Arts Area, and I hope it tells the story not just of my family but that of so many others who have come to this country with their families and traditions. I want it to be about culture, roots, sacrifice, hard work, believing in yourself and how anything is possible.
It’s also a tribute to the traditional dishes of Jalisco, where my family is from and where some still lives. We serve many of those dishes and also have recreated the festive and welcoming atmosphere you would find there. For example, we have live music on Friday and Saturday nights and sometimes on Sunday for brunch.
Cocos is a small restaurant that’s almost a hidden gem in the back of 410 Market. It may not be the easiest place to find, but once you do, you will be treated like family!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is different for everyone. I guess I don’t really consider myself successful because I am always looking for something that I con do better, for the next challenge. Being able to set a good example to those around you is success. I think that if you can give back, help, empower others, set the example for the ones that are next to you, that’s success.
To me, being successful is to be an example for my loved ones so they know not to be afraid to try new things even if you might fail. Failing means that you are not standing still. If I can inspire my children and grandchildren to never stop dreaming, believing, doing, accomplishing, working hard, and loving Jesus, that would be a wonderful legacy to leave them. That would be success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 410 N. Bishop Dallas Tx 75208 (Cocos Fire & Ice)
511 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas Tx 75208 (Levines Uniforms Headquarters) - Phone: 214-725-4742
- Email: socorro@levinesstores.com
- Instagram: Cocos Bishop arts
- Facebook: Cocos Fire & Ice
- Yelp: Cocos Fire & Ice
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
