TRA 2018

Russell Ybarra

Gringo's Tex-Mex | Jimmy Changas


Growing up in the restaurant industry through his father’s restaurants, Russell started in the kitchen washing dishes and learning first-hand all facets of the industry. Gringo’s came to life in 1993 when Russell had the opportunity to branch out on his own. Taking over a building that had housed four failed restaurants, Russell applied his philosophy of serving the highest quality Tex-Mex at the lowest price possible to the new venture. The community responded and Gringo’s is still growing; now thirteen locations, plus, sister concepts: Jimmy Changas, The Lunch Box and Burger Libre. Twenty-five years later, Russell’s passion remains the same… Focus on the food and the folks who pay his paycheck – the Guest. Take care of what is important and the rest will fall into place. “I believe that in order for a business to realize its true purpose, their primary focus must go beyond profits.” ~ Russell Ybarra

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