Life & Work with Carlos Aguirre of Avondale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Aguirre.

Hi Carlos, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Carlos, my siblings and I started Don pancho’s in 1998 and all are family members got together and contributed to all aspects of the restaurant. Cooking, cleaning, baking bread ( when we had a bakery)
We were very successful and created a staple in the maryvale neighborhood. Within time the family’s branched out and expanded into their own versions of Don Pancho but the name still remained. (Our father Francisco “Don Pancho” Aguirre) you can catch him still working in the original spot. Since then each restaurant has maintained themselves and continue to thrive. We are going into our 29th year collectively and in Avondale 15 years this year and we dont plan on stopping any time soon.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ofcourse not a business is 50/50 it either succeeds or fail. We’ve had our challenges from SB1070 to the economic collapse of 2008 and the COVID19 epidemic. Its been a rough decade for our Latino community , we’ve learn to adapt and improve and move forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I manage & own the Avondale Don Pancho, I work like my employees from washing dishes to cooking in the line when needed. I can always step back and hire someone to run it but im my father’s son and like him if I can work im going to do it, I feel useless when im not busy. I couldn’t really say I specialize in anything when I can do it all but what im most proud of is our success. I have a great team i work with and a wonderful family, what else could I ask for.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Up until 3-4 years ago we started using 3rd party delivery platforms and ultimately have transitioned in our own delivery platform including Catering. Social media and technology are not my strongest areas luckily my oldest son is managing our tech side of the business. I can’t say anything else but we have a couple of ideas for expansion in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eatdonpanchos.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/eatdonpanchos
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/eatdonpanchos

Image Credits
Skyguyunltd.