Enchilada Entrepreneur: Ten Lessons in Life and Business from the Founder of a Successful Tex-Mex Restaurant Group

by Russell Ybarra

A philosophy of excellence in and out of the kitchen

Russell Ybarra has reached a degree of success in his professional life that allows him the time and space to reflect on his journey and offer its lessons to other entrepreneurs. Having built his company, Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, from the ashes of what he describes as a history of professional failures, he tells a story that will resonate with new and experienced entrepreneurs in all spheres.

Enchilada Entrepreneur explains:

• Why success is a terrible teacher

• How to always guard your reputation

• Why a sense of urgency is critical

• How to get past fear of failure

• The power of living below your means

And this just scratches the surface!

Enchilada Entrepreneur offers an inspiring view into the founding and growth of one of Texas’s beloved dining icons and serves as a useful reference for entrepreneurs striving to establish practical habits while making a meaningful impact on the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

200 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2024

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once in awhile I feel bad giving a mediocre review, and this is one of those times. In this case, the author seems like a really genuine and good person, and the proceeds of his book are being donated to a charity - Camp Hope. But I have to be honest in my review. The book was less a business advice book, and more about being a decent person. It was very repetitive, and it felt like a bog commercial for the author's chain of restaurants. Love the author's outlook on life, but didn't think the book was that great. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Ybarra seems like a really precious person. This book is at its heart a collection of his life stories, anecdotes, lessons, and thoughts on how to succeed at life (not just business). He says it himself - his main reason for writing this book was to tell his grandchildren what kind of person he is. He seems to be generous, smart, and well-liked by all. That being said, I wish the book were more impactful.

The book is genuine, heartfelt, and easy to read - but it’s not particularly earth-shattering or enlightening. Overall it feels like an extended blog post, or like I just sat down with him at dinner and he started talking. There are quite a few good nuggets of wisdom, and I wish him all the best. Most people cannot say they have written a book, run a multimillion dollar restaurant business, or been able to give away as much as he has. I will certainly visit one of his restaurants if I am ever in the Houston area, for sure!

(I received a digital copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway.)

[Lori Alden Holuta · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a lifelong fan of Mexican restaurants, I couldn't resist picking up this book, based on the title. What I found inside was a combo platter of business anecdotes, 'ten habits' recommended for business success, friendly ramblings about the author's life in restaurant work, and lots of sneaky promos for his own restaurant, Gringo's Tex-Mex. It's a relaxing read, with a little something for everyone. I took the advice that matched my pursuits and lifestyle, and was left with a strong desire to perfect my own efforts in enchilada rolling. Good for entrepreneurs and foodies alike!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book. The ten lessons in this book can be used by anyone to make a better life. Too bad I have never had a boss like Russell Ybarra. One can be a good person and still have a successful career. I would highly recommend this book.
All proceeds from the this book are donated to PTSD Foundation of America's Camp Hope.

Thank you to #goodreads, #RussellYbarra for a copy of this book.
#EnchiladaEntrepreneur

[Mary P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Gringo's I must say that I really enjoyed this book. Lots of life lessons and I've always thought that Russell Ybarra must be a really nice man but this book proved that he is an amazing person and contains life lessons that will be important to anyone, whether you are a business person or not.

A huge Thank You to Russell for all that he has done for the community. I'm inspired.

[CatherineA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "lessons" taught by example in this book can be easily applied to any business that someone may want to start. But most of the principles are really life lessons that anybody could use to improve relationships. Each lesson has an end-of-chapter summary of sorts, which adds good organization to the book.

[John Hrizuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read with practical advise about running a business from a successful entrepreneur. I liked how he applied his Christian beliefs, Golden Rule and such, to running his business and making business decisions. I especially like the bulleted list (To Go Items) at the end of each chapter that covered the main points of the chapter.

[Candie Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Would greatly recommend it

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️✍🏼✍🏽

[Jeff Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic telling of the story of Gringo's Mexican Kitchen. Russel shares all his secrets to success right down to the proprietary secrets most folks would keep to themselves.