We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chef Machete . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trinidad below.
Chef Machete, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Ill never forget the first risk I took to get to where i am today. I use to be a Steward(Chef on Ships) I was gone foe months at a time away from my son, family,& shit my social life. I made a plan of action to overcome that lifestyle and be the Boss I am today.
I worked 10 straight months, I sacrificed almost a whole year away from everyone I loved but im cut different; i know when I stepped off that boat I would never look back. And thats what I did. I saved up, maxed out credit cards, went broke doing what I Loved and no matter how many times i wanted to go back to the lifestyle i just had to tell myself, “you came this far” dont give up!
Today 2 restaurant locations, full catering service, merch line, cooking for my favorite rappers, giving back to the kids and people in my community all in a matter of 4 years.
See if you wanna make something outta life you gotta wanna do this, Im home all the time now but im not really home. But i do get to see my son every week, i get see my people.
I leved TF up and never gave up or went back to what was easy. Dont EVER LOSE SIGHT ON YOUR GOALS
CONQUER YOUR DREAMS PLAYA.
Chef Machete, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Chef Trinidad “Machete” Gonzalez, owner of Gordo Ninos Houston’s People’s Choice Best Taco 2k19,2k20,2k21. Voted Houstons Top Chef Voyer Mag 2k21.
Owner and Creater of Lean Sauce®️.
We are a scratch kitchen, in house frwsh every day! Proud of my staff, they really do they part in making this a team effort!
Our goal is that, you dream it we build it no matter how big or small we do it all!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Im real, im raw people these day aspire to be someone of something they’d think others want. Naw not me, imma tell you how it is, imma always be honest about our service and how we do shit.
People that know about me see that and respect that.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Honestly you gotta keep your hands dirty too, its a team effort. We work together, we play together, WE EAT TOGETHER! Im not afraid to pick up a cloth and whipe a table, or pick up a phone call for a togo order im there with my people. Again its all about respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: Chefmachete.com
- Instagram: REAL_CHEF_MACHETE
- Facebook: Facebook.com/gordoninos