Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Lara Vazquez.
Francisco , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I arrived from Morelia Mexico to Minnesota at the age of 19 and began working in restaurants such as Marriot hotels, Deco catering and Eurest dining. I was executive chef for Eurest dining for 14 years and chef for Deco catering for about 6 years. They were like a university for me. I learned cooking and administration and suddenly I thought, I am 44 years old and that is what I know how to do well, cook, I will start my catering service and started it in 2022. With the name El Molcajete catering, it was a focus for about two years promoting my service in molls, I gave tastings of my dishes to large buildings, I went on to leave my menu and little by little I was getting clients, all that hard work now has results. Something that was key to being successful was that I worked with successful businesspeople who show me how to work, taking care of every detail of the job.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was complicated because they didn’t know the company, and it was difficult to have contracts and work separately to pay insurance, rent, and everything that a business entails.
I remember that we did a catering service for one person, but their budget was very low. That person was recommended to me. The person who recommended her told me that several wealthy guests would be present at her event, and I decided to take the contract, investing a lot without making a profit, but knowing that this was the only way to show my work, and so it was. After that event, they started hiring more clients, specifically from Norway’. I also got a contract with them, and to this day, I have contracts for Norway House.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the Chef at Elmo Catering.
I think I’m proud to teach and motivate young people to do things right, and I motivate them to open a business doing what they love.
I believe we work as professionally as possible and take care of every detail.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am fortunate to work with positive people. The way they support me is by doing their job well. We all work as a team.
Pricing:
- Buffet $27.95 per person
- Tableware rental $4.95 per set
- Roasted lemon pepper salmon $21.95 per person
- Beef tenderloin $24.95 per person
- Stuffed Chicken $19.95 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elmocateringmn.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmocatering_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmocateringmn/?modal=admin_todo_tour
