We were lucky to catch up with Horacio Weschler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Horacio , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my experience as an immigrant from Argentina. When I first arrived, I felt like I needed to work extra hard because English was my second language. Over time, as my English improved, I kept up that strong work ethic, which really helped boost my confidence, and shape me into the person that I am today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Owning and operating a restaurant is no easy task, but the joy I find in it makes every challenge worth it. I am incredibly passionate about sharing the flavors and traditions of Argentine cuisine, which I believe is often under-recognized. For me, it’s not just about serving food; it’s about offering a taste of the country I grew up in and sharing a piece of my heritage with our guests.
I’m thrilled to announce that after being closed for almost two years, Lala’s on Melrose will be reopening very shortly. We’ve been working hard to bring some amazing changes to the restaurant, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience what we have in store. Your continued support means the world to me, and I look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the rich, vibrant flavors of Argentina once again. Stay tuned for our reopening date and more details—we’re excited to see you all soon!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on opening our Argentine restaurant, I’d say the three most impactful qualities were a strong work ethic, a deep passion for food and hospitality, and the ability to work effectively as a team.
Work Ethic: The restaurant industry demands long hours and adaptability to constant change. Staying dedicated and embracing these challenges is crucial for success.
Passion for Food and Hospitality: If you’re not passionate about your product and the experience you offer, it’s hard to inspire that enthusiasm in others. Genuine love for what you do translates into a better dining experience for your guests.
Teamwork: My partner Mario and I built this restaurant from the ground up, and maintaining a positive, collaborative atmosphere was essential. Any discord between us would have affected the entire team, so fostering good relationships and teamwork was key.
For those starting out, focus on cultivating these traits. Work hard and stay flexible, immerse yourself in your craft, and build strong, supportive relationships with your team. These elements are foundational to creating a successful and harmonious restaurant environment.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I love sharing this story about when my mom, Lala, visited me from Argentina shortly after I moved to the United States. At the time, I was working my first restaurant job, and she walked in to see me mopping the floor. She was understandably upset, fearing I had made a mistake moving and would end up spending my life mopping someone else’s restaurant floor. Despite her concerns, I was genuinely happy in my role. Her visit reminded me of how much she had always encouraged me to strive for greatness. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my goals and become the best I could be. I’m incredibly grateful for her all of her support throughout my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lalasgrill.com
- Instagram: lalasgrill
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