Meet Dante Ramirez | Owner/Founder Tender Smokehouse

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dante Ramirez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dante, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have been facilitated with the restaurant business for many years. I have always been focused on customer service and the major impact it has … positive or negative based on how we serve. Most recently I have been implementing training on “anticipation “. Coaching my staff how to really take care of guests by anticipating their needs… how to have employees take care of each other based on anticipating each other’s needs. This is nothing new but it is amazing how many restaurants and staff selfishly just take care of themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner and founder of Tender Smokehouse. For many years I have dreamed of owning my own business and I knew I could make it happen. The challenge was I had zero capital in which to get it started. I was given an opportunity by a my now ex-girlfriend and another good friend that I met years ago. Together we talked about opening up a bbq joint… I had years of restaurant and catering experience and I knew I could do this. Before we open we picked up two more partners and they were excited about the opportunity and we sailed forward. In less than a year of opening Tender Smokehouse was ranked nationally, We have been recognized as best business in a historic city by the state of Texas and have been featured in publications and magazines. We have great bbq, service and atmosphere. We have a simple concept with lots of attention to service.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to restaurants that rank high in social media content. Read about restaurants that offer dining experiences that deliver a can’t get it anywhere experience. We would go to restaurant like Bobs Chop House.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had many mentors and coaches that have played a major part of my success throughout the years. All I have direct phone access to date. My life, however changed radically when I gave my life to Jesus Christ… years ago if I read this I would completely roll my eyes. I am so regretful that I had to put myself through lots of pain and struggle before really studying people I wanted to be like… “successful “. After taking inventory of those I chased to be like, I realized that the few I admired had God in their lives. I wanted that immediately.

Website: Tendersmokehousebbq.com

Facebook: Tender Smokehouse

Youtube: Dante Ramirez