We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Veronica And Navid Haeri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Veronica and Navid, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The iTzcali concept was born from our desire to create a high-end dining experience that blends our rich cultural heritage with contemporary flair. Our goal was to combine the allure of ancient traditions with the freshness of modernity, and the name “Itzcali,” derived from the Nahuatl language meaning “house of beauty,” perfectly encapsulates this vision. We’ve created a space that invites guests to indulge in exceptional food, refined drinks, and a celebration of culture.
At the heart of our philosophy lies the joy of shared dining. Taking inspiration from the Spanish tradition of tapas, which involves enjoying small plates together, we’ve designed a menu that encourages interaction and conversation. At iTzcali, every dish is thoughtfully prepared for group enjoyment, providing a gastronomic adventure that’s as much about the company as it is about the cuisine. The foray into the restaurant industry is a fusion of our cultural lineages and mutual enthusiasms. Our regular lunch and dinner outings over the years became a treasured ritual, deepening our appreciation for the local culinary landscape. The idea of opening our own eatery was a recurring jest that we never seriously considered—until the onset of Covid.
As the pandemic progressed and eateries shuttered, we were left with ample time for introspection. What started as light-hearted banter turned into serious conversations, and when the concept of opening our own restaurant emerged, we seized the opportunity together without hesitation. It was a means to remain proactive and craft something significant amidst a difficult period. Thus, what commenced as an activity to stay occupied transformed into the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Navid, an art student at Wichita State, has woven his creativity into every aspect of the restaurant’s design. The architectural structure and layout were thoughtfully executed. Together, we spent numerous late nights brainstorming and refining our ideas. I come from Wichita with a Mexican American background, and Navid’s Iranian heritage infuses our establishment with a unique mix of Iranian and Mexican elements. iTzcali’s highlight is the bar, featuring an impressive array of over 500 premium tequilas and a wide variety of handcrafted cocktails. Our margaritas, made with fresh citrus, are especially popular, providing a perfect complement to the depth of flavors in our dishes. Accommodating up to 300 patrons, our expansive yet intimate dining areas ensure each visit is memorable, blending splendor with a hint of personal allure.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
By delivering top-notch customer service with reliable and tailored experiences, responding swiftly to customer needs, and going above and beyond, businesses can build trust and loyalty. Demonstrating empathy and actively using customer feedback can deepen this bond.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth has been the most effective source of new clients. Satisfied customers naturally share their experience with their networks, creating a ripple effect that builds trust and attracts new business. Unlike traditional marketing, word of mouth carries the weight of personal recommendation, which is far more influential.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itzcalitapasandtequila/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itzcalitapasandtequila/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/itzcali-tapas-and-tequila-wichita
Image Credits
Quang Vu
Navid Haeri