We recently had the chance to connect with Diego Copa and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diego, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early — usually drinking some mate and a quiet moment to set my intentions for the day. I begin by reading a daily devotional I receive from a friend in Argentina, which helps me center myself and place my day in God’s hands. I often share the message with a small group of close friends — it’s become a meaningful routine that keeps us grounded and connected, no matter how busy life gets.
Most mornings, I’m mapping out my day. I wear several hats — husband, restaurant owner, Director of two locations for HTX Soccer, and Head Coach for the Boys Soccer Program at Concordia Lutheran High School — so organization is key.
The early part of my day is filled with meetings, planning, and communication: everything from parent follow-ups and strategic discussions about programming and community outreach to reviewing financials and planning training sessions.
By midday, I’m at school leading a soccer class at CLHS, helping students grow both as players and as people. Later in the afternoon, I’m out on the field running sessions or observing coaches, making sure our methodology and culture are being lived out.
In the evenings, I often shift gears between coaching high school soccer, spending time with my family, or working on my restaurant, Che Gaucho. It’s a full plate, but I truly love it — every part of my day connects back to building something meaningful, whether it’s developing players, supporting staff, or sharing a piece of my Argentine culture with the community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diego Copa, and I’m the owner of Che Gaucho Restaurant in Tomball, Texas, as well as the Director for HTX Soccer’s Tomball and Cypress campuses and Head Coach for the Boys Soccer Program at Concordia Lutheran High School. I was born and raised in Argentina, and much of what I do today — whether on the field or in the restaurant — is rooted in the values my parents and grandparents instilled in me: hard work, faith, gratitude, and love for community.
Che Gaucho was born as a tribute to my parents, who left everything familiar behind in Argentina so my brother and I could have a better life in the United States. Through our restaurant, I wanted to give back to them — and at the same time share a piece of Argentina with the community that welcomed us. When guests walk into Che Gaucho, my goal is for them to feel like they’re stepping into my grandparents’ backyard back home — surrounded by good food, music, and the warmth of family.
Beyond the restaurant, soccer is a huge part of my life. Every day I have the privilege of shaping from coaches to young players’ journeys — not just as professionals or student athletes, but as people. I see both of my worlds, food and soccer, as ways to build connection: to bring people together, tell stories, and create moments that last.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow both projects — expanding Che Gaucho’s reach while deepening our community roots, and strengthening the player development pathway at HTX Soccer and Concordia Lutheran High School. Both are about purpose, passion, and leaving a legacy that honors where I came from and inspires those who come after.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without question, my parents saw me clearly long before I could see myself. They believed in me when all I had were dreams and a restless spirit. From a young age, they instilled in me the values of faith, perseverance, and humility — reminding me that true success isn’t measured by titles or possessions, but by character, gratitude, and the way you treat others.
My education and life experiences have always been built on that foundation. Growing up, my parents taught me to depend on God in all things — not just in moments of uncertainty, but also in times of joy. They reminded me that every step forward was an opportunity to reflect His grace.
But even deeper than that, I’ve come to realize that Jesus saw me clearly before anyone did. He loved me and gave His life for me — long before I understood my own purpose or identity. That truth has carried me through every season of life. It’s shaped how I lead, how I serve, and how I love others.
Looking back, I see how my parents’ faith and Jesus’ love have been the guiding lights in my journey — the reason I can now see myself not just for who I am, but for who I’m becoming.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Coming from Argentina — a country shaped by history, struggle, and resilience — I learned early on that life’s hardest moments often hold the deepest lessons. My childhood wasn’t about abundance or comfort; it was about faith, perseverance, and finding joy in the simple things. That foundation shaped my perspective on suffering — not as something to avoid, but as something that refines you.
Suffering taught me what success never could: dependence on God. In difficult seasons, when things felt uncertain or out of reach, I learned to stop relying on my own strength and start trusting in His. God doesn’t waste pain — He uses it to strip away pride, to teach patience, and to show that His provision often comes in ways we don’t expect.
Those moments of struggle built my character far more than any success ever has. They taught me to be grateful in all circumstances, to stay humble when things go well, and to remember that true strength is found in surrender. Every challenge I’ve faced — whether personally, professionally, or spiritually — has reminded me that God provides. Not just what we want, but exactly what we need to grow, to learn, and to draw closer to Him.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my parents — especially my father — not for any position of power, but for the quiet strength and character they’ve shown throughout their lives. My father is a man of faith and integrity, a veteran of the Falklands War who has always carried himself with humility and courage. He’s been a living example of what it means to serve others before yourself and to stay grounded in God no matter how uncertain life gets.
Growing up, my parents didn’t teach through speeches — they taught through actions. I watched my dad work long days, never complaining, always trusting that God would provide. My mom’s compassion and faith anchored our family through every storm. Together, they taught me that character is built in the small, unseen moments — in how you treat people, how you keep your word, and how you choose gratitude even when life feels unfair.
That’s why creating Che Gaucho meant so much to me. It wasn’t just about opening a restaurant — it was about giving something back to them. After all they sacrificed to build a new life for our family in the United States, I wanted to create a space that reflected their love, their culture, and their values. When people walk into Che Gaucho, they’re not just tasting Argentine food — they’re experiencing my parents’ story, their spirit, and the legacy of two people who taught me that true greatness comes not from power, but from character, humility, and faith.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing what I was *born* to do. For a long time, I thought success meant following the path others expected of me — chasing titles, positions, or stability. But with time, experience, and a lot of prayer, I’ve realized that my purpose was never about being told what to do — it was about *becoming who I was meant to be.*
Everything in my life — from growing up in Argentina, to the struggles my parents faced starting over in a new country, to the lessons I’ve learned through faith and hardship — has led me to where I am today. Coaching, mentoring young players, leading others, and creating spaces like Che Gaucho where people feel seen and connected — these aren’t just jobs to me. They’re callings.
God doesn’t waste any part of our journey. He uses our gifts, our pain, and even our detours to shape something meaningful. Today, as I build the family I’ve always dreamed of with my wife, I see how this calling extends beyond my work — it’s about the legacy we’re creating together. A legacy rooted in love, faith, and the same values my parents passed down to me.
I’m not living out someone else’s expectations; I’m living out what I was created for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chegauchorestaurant.com
- Instagram: Personal: @dcopa, Business: @chegauchorstaurant
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-copa-51938053
- Facebook: Personal: https://www.facebook.com/diego.e.copa/, Business: https://www.facebook.com/chegauchorestaurant/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/che-gaucho-tomball
