Restaurant Owners in Rock Hill don’t often take the spotlight. They’re usually busy in the kitchen, managing employees, and spending time with their customers and families. Zander at Sharpen Marketing has set out to find and interview restaurant owners local to York County (Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Clover, York, Lake Wylie, etc.) and Charlotte. While we’re not experts in interviewing, we’ve found the best way to get to know the backbone of our community and what it’s built upon, there’s no better way than to reach out to these owners.
Today’s Restaurant Owner Interview Series article is about Gil Gonzalez. He owns El Cancun in Rock Hill, which his dad passed on to him as a teen. We hope you’re able to enjoy this interview! If you think your restaurant (or brewery, or bar) would be a good fit for this series, please send us an email at zander@sharpenmarketing.com. Now… let’s get started!
What’s Your Story and How Does it Relate to Your Restaurant?
Gil: It all started a long time ago. Both of my parents hadn’t met yet. They migrated from Mexico to the Atlanta, GA area. They met at my uncle’s restaurant where they both worked and they hit it off from there. They eventually moved to Charlotte, NC and opened a numerous amount of restaurants. When they had me, they started me on washing dishes at the age of 6. I remember my first paycheck… it was $80 – haha. Over the years, I worked my way up through each role in the restaurant. At the age of 18, my dad handed me the keys and asked me to take over. I was born into this!
What Has Been Your Biggest Professional Success?
Gil: Our biggest achievement is what our menu has evolved into. In 2017 we made changes to our menu and ever since then we’ve noticed an increase in business.
Where Do You See El Cancun in 5 Years?
Gil: We see El Cancun as it stands today with humble people and very family oriented. I may open another restaurant in honor of my mom down the line, too.
What Are Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities as the Restaurant Owner?
Gil: I oversee everything. My cousin helps out a bunch in many managerial areas. We all do a little bit of everything… manage the bar, serve customers, greet people, cook, etc.
What is Your Favorite Thing About Running a Restaurant?
Gil: My favorite thing is having a family of customers. Our regular customers are very close. Most know me
If You Could Give Advice to 25-Year Old You, What Would it Be?
Gil: Don’t get married! haha! One other thing I would tell myself is to stay humble. Never let things get to your head to where you think you’re too good and remember your purpose, why you’re here. Make sure everyone is taken care of. My motto today is “if I’m eating, we’re all eating”.
If You Could Give Advice to Someone Opening Their Own Restaurant for the First Time, What Would it Be?
Gil: Here’s what I’ll say about this… The more you are there, the more people are happy. The more time you take away and are not present in your own restaurant, people can become unhappy. Be present as much as possible.
What’s Your Biggest Challenge You Have When it Comes to Promoting Your Restaurant?
Gil: I can’t think of any specific challenges on the top of my head. Most of our business is from word of mouth and most people that live in Rock Hill have heard of El Cancun because we’ve been here as long as we have.
If You Could Change One Thing About the Rock Hill Community for the Better, What Would it Be?
Gil: I would want to see locals become more accepting of all walks of life and be less prejudice/discriminative. There are great people in and around Rock Hill, and I hope we continue to set good examples and progress towards seeing more eye-to-eye. I would also like to see it be easier for vendors to work together at events. Sometimes it is tough getting involved with local events and we hope our community can make things easier for vendors to have opportunities to join these events.
For Locals That Haven’t Visited Your Restaurant Yet, What Would You Like to Say to Them ?
Gil: Come eat! I’ll meet you there. We’re open and your friends have probably already been here.
So, What’s This About Taco Boiiz?
Gil: Taco Boiiz started when a local brewery asked us to come to make tacos for them one night. Other bar owners heard about it, saw the success and invited us to come and make tacos for their customers as well. Thus, Taco Boiiz was born. So far, it’s been a huge success! Check out Taco Boiiz on Facebook here.
Learn More About El Cancun in Rock Hill, SC
Phone: (803) 366-6996
Address: 1244 Cherry Rd. Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732
Website: https://www.elcancunmexrest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elcancunmexrest/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcancunmexican/
