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

Hi Mary, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk was the biggest concern and factor in my decision to start my own business. I had been working in non profits for 23 years, always had health insurance, 401 K, biweekly paycheck… I left it all behind when I took the risks of going out on my own as a single mom with 2 sons in high school and one in middle school. Fear, doubts, anxiety were always lingering in my mind, however, I kept on, I struggled financially for the first 3 years, refinanced my home, etc… but I made it! In my 7th year of business, I have opened a 2nd restaurant location! Enchiladas Ole’ has ranked in the Top 5 restaurants in Fort Worth since opening and USA Today ranked us #7 in the state of Texas! We have also been featured on the Food Network Channel…I say Take the Risk, Give it your all and your best!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of being able to have 2 of my sons work with me, I am most proud of the fact that my sons recognize the importance of fresh, made to order meals. This is what sets our restaurant apart, it’s like cooking at home, rice is cooked all day long as well as beans, we don’t even have a freezer in the restaurants! I learned to cook from my parents, I didn’t go to culinary school, but my restaurant ranks in the Top 5 since opening! I would like the world to know that if you have a dream, don’t give up, no matter what struggles you go through, God always opens the doors!

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.
If my best friend were visiting, definitely I would take them to Waters Restaurant, Lilli’s Bistro, definitely the Museum District, The Kimbell Art Museum is extraordinary! Last but a must see is the Historic Stockard! Every visitor needs a photo with the famous Longhorn Steers!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jon Bunnell has been a great restaurant mentor for me. He is a very recognized Chef in Fort Worth

Website: www.enchiladasole.com
Instagram: Enchiladas Ole
Facebook: Enchiladas Ole
Yelp: Enchiladas Ole

Image Credits
USA Today Top 10 Denver Post Must Try when in Fort Worth Fort Worth Texas Magazine Best Of Fort Worth Weekly Best of 2020 Food Network Channel East Meets West Good Morning Texas Dallas Voyage

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