Meet Vincent Morales | Chef-Restauranteur

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

Hi Vincent, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I come from a family of restauranteurs. For years I tried working the corporate world, warehouses, oil fields amongst other things. It always seemed to be a bit lack luster, like it always had a ceiling on it. When you own your own business I feel like you can take it as far as your efforts allow. I like that challenge, the adrenaline, the unknown. Can it be scary? Sure. But I feel like the reward from creating something that people love can be worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I come from generations of restauranteurs. My family has been doing it since 1974. In a way I always knew that id do it although I tried a few different things in my youth. It was at the age 23 I decided to open my 1st restaurant on my own, with a modern version of my family’s menu. I had success over the years but a few rocks in the road (losing one to a fire and a few in the pandemic)led me to where I am today with Moto Loco. Moto Loco is the 1st restaurant in which it is 100% my menu and my ideas. I’m excited to see a concept that originated with me come to fruition. Ive found plenty of success with my families recipe but look forward to challenge of re introducing myself and my new menu.

The path hear hasn’t been easy it all, I know its a cliche but anything worth having isn’t easy. There were plenty of times where throwing in the towel was my only thought, but quickly remembering that my three sons watch me and learn from quickly pushed me through it. Ive made it a point to show my sons that no matter how many times we get knocked down or how hard it gets we take life’s lessons on the chin and continue to move forward.

My brand was born from my love for cooking and my passion of riding motorcycles. It was created from the love of serving and providing. I took a custom trailer of mine to a motorcycle campout “Fast Life Campout” and cooked for others expecting nothing in return. The gratitude from the community was so overwhelming. I had just closed my last full service restaurant and the direction my career was headed was still unknown. Cooking at that campout altered my life forever, and Moto Loco was born.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The DFW metroplex is such a diverse area that has so much to offer. There are so many places to see/visit. We’d have to eat at some of my local favorites like Terry Blacks, Hurtados, Panther City just to name a few, Texas bbq is a must. Our food scene is anything but short of good eats, we can eat at places like Joe T Garcia, Normas, Hacienda Ranch just to name a few.

Im a sucker for a good dive bar and a great conversation and we have no shortage of those around. Places like Mikes Gemini, Old Monk, and Double wide. If we’re looking for something with a game on or a little more up beat Rodeo Cold and Truck Yard are definitely my go to places.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my wife, kids, family, and friends. Im so lucky to be surrounded by people who believe in me. The support system I have is unreal. It also makes the journey that much more sweeter, like we all are accomplishing things together. My success is their success, without any of them a lot of what I do would’ve never made past the vision board.

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Image Credits
Ramon Sapien