Meet Gabe Ceniceros

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe Ceniceros

Hi Gabe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’m originally from Yuma, AZ Yuma Criminals Class of 98’ Shout to all my Y-town FAM! My hometown hero is civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. I am constantly inspired by Chavez to make noise. He didn’t do it for attention and of course did it for a completely different cause but it did show me what is possible for my own life. Attention is just a byproduct of doing things differently. I’ve been in Tucson now for almost ten years, I visited Tucson for a music gig back in 2008 and instantly fell in love with the City. It’s a city with many great artists, musicians and great food. Since moving here, Tucson has really opened its arms to me.

Here, I met my amazing wife, who’s ironically from Yuma also. We started our little family with two beautiful children Kingston and my dog Lima. It’s easy to be inspired and to step up your own game being surrounded by such talent here in Tucson. I knew when moving here that I wanted to build a life that was of my own design. I’ve done every line of work throughout the years and knew for a very long time that I wanted to start my own business. I’m not trying to put down other people’s occupations but I didn’t want to be a plumber, a contractor, a city worker, doctor or lawyer, go back to school or work for anyone else. Although the occupations I mentioned are respectable careers. I also didn’t have much experience in any other field. What I did have at my disposal was my own creativity and drive. I’ve been a creative since birth. I also believe everyone is. You have to work that creative muscle. Early on I took society’s path of what it thought I should be doing. I followed that path and I was miserable. When I started doing me is when things really started taking off for me. I think that’s why I succeed. I do me. I’ve been nurturing my creativity and sharing it ever since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every venture has its own challenges. I wish I could say it was a straight and easy road to where I find myself today but that’s definitely not the case. Life would be boring without challenges. If everything we sought out were easy, life would be mundane. Overcoming challenges give you a priceless sense of accomplishment, a badge of honor. I think people just starting out should understand that challenges are part of the game. No one is exempt. I also understand that things don’t happen overnight. I give credit to all challenge’s life has thrown at me for my growth and of course God for helping me to keep my head down and to keep pushing forward when things got tough.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was born a creative so I surround my life with creativity. Besides my restaurant, I am also a singer-songwriter and an avid lover of reggae music. This music thing is my get-away. When I’m not busy with business and family I immerse myself in my music. It’s soothing to be able to express myself in song. I read this quote that said something like “My Music will tell you more about me than I ever will”. I have to agree. I write my own original music sharing it through Reggae, Rock, Funk Soul, Originals. Los Streetlight Curb Players a band I started in 2014. Shout to my Streetlight fam Alex, Rob, and Cody. Missing our jams sessions during these times. Some of my influences include Ernest Rangling, Alton Ellis, Dallas Tamaira, Carlos Santana, Saul Hernandez, Vicente Fernandez, Guillermo Bonetto, Bill Withers, Al Green, James Brown, and of course the great Mr. Bob Marley. I’m sure everyone remembers where he or she heard their first Bob Marley album. Mine was “Confrontation” by Bob Marley & The Wailers and it changed my world forever at the age of 10. I also can’t forget to mention my mother as one of my early influences who would play piano for weddings when I was younger. I was always in awe at how one person could change the vibe of the whole room with the music. I love to sit and write when I get the chance but I have to make the time because as anyone knows life gets busy really quick. Writing is like putting together a puzzle. Finding the right words to say and putting it all together is almost Zen. Sharing it and people enjoying it. Priceless. I’m proud I can follow my gut and trust in my creativity to make a living. I’m grateful for my drive. It’s a relentless force sometimes. I’ve been working in restaurants for over 25 years.

The Blacktop Grill started in 2014, as a small hotdog cart. In 6 short years, we have expanded our menu and transitioned into a brick and mortar. Blacktop specializes in gourmet comfort food. Our menu consists of decadent hotdogs, quesadillas, and an overall menu experience that we describe as a Sonoran with a twist. Shout out to my Blacktop team! I created this, but it now takes a village and I would be lost in a pit of despair without them. I promised myself from the very start that I was going to see how far I could take this venture and all I can say is it has been a great ride. Our tiny food cart also generated enough revenue to purchase an entirely separate business. That was an exciting project to get involved in. Skinology Skin and Body Studio, in Northwest Tucson, is our second business. My wife and I are lucky enough to have “his and hers” businesses. She does an amazing job running Skinology and I am very proud of her. These accomplishments are true blessings and we’ve also been fortunate enough to be presented with amazing opportunities, experiences, people, and friendships along the way. Shout out to all who have supported our small businesses throughout the years!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Keep your head up and keep pushing. Don’t be afraid to do you. You’re more powerful than you give yourself credit for. Viva la Revolucion!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theblacktopgrill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblacktopgrill/, https://www.instagram.com/losstreetlights/, https://www.instagram.com/azrep/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblacktopgrill, https://www.facebook.com/LosStreetlights/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-blacktop-grill-tucson-2
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/losstreetlights
• Other: http://www.skinologystudio.com

Image Credits:
Rex Scofield Photography
Joe Kalos Photography
Mandy Rena Photography
Marielle Ceniceros, Blogger @TheFoodieBitch