Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Antonio Gomez-Guerra.
Jose Antonio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Madrid, Spain, but lived most of my life in Mexico City. At age 18, I began my career as a professional soccer player while attending college full time. My entrepreneurial spirit lead me to starting and selling my first business before the age of 30. Soon after, my brothers and I took over our family’s tea business, Te la Carabela. It remains my primary business. In 2007, I decided to move my family to The Woodlands, TX.
I created my first restaurant/bar concept in 2009 with the focus being on traditional spanish food and live music. 1252 Tapas Bar was born, and we had our grand opening on Market Street in The Woodlands March of 2010. Later in 2014, with a group of business partners, I opened Songkran Thai Grill in Uptown Park Houston. The modern restaurant features a bar and patio highlighted by the exotic decor and classic Thai cuisine.
Most recently, we acquired Levure Bakery, in Creekside Park, The Woodlands. We are expanding to open our second location in the popular shopping center of Market Street in August 2018. Levure’s approach to food starts with heirloom recipes using the most basic components. Our commitment to sourcing the highest quality ingredients possible including organic flours and farm-fresh produce are our priority. We bake all of artisan breads and pastries fresh in house daily and have the best gourmet coffee. We will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at our new Market Street location and we look forward to continuing to serve our Woodlands community.
A new project is the development of brands with web pages design, and marketing work specialized in social media.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think finding a balance in my life has always been a challenge for me. I faced this first with my soccer career and college. Taking classes and studying on the road while playing with my team. Making time for both was important and tough.
Now, my challenge in life is creating a balance between work and family. Everyone faces challenges of every magnitude, it’s how we handle them that helps shape us into who we are. I choose to face adversity head on and it has served me well in my career.
Levure Bakery, Te la Carabela, Songkran Thai Kitchen, 1252 Tapas Bar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m most proud of starting most of my businesses from the scratch, seeing them take shape, and become brands that people are familiar with. Each of my businesses is unique and special in their own right.
What I enjoy the most is the contact with people and the development of the business from the social point of view and brand development
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
People define success differently. For me, it was coming from another country, learning a different language, immersing myself in the culture, and creating businesses here. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have faced. I consider this my success story. I live by the phrase, if something’s worth having, it’s worth working for. It’s the legacy I hope to leave my son.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9595 six pines dr suite 670, The Woodlands, TX
- Website: www.levurebakery.com www.lacarabela.com.mx
- Phone: 832-309-6888
- Email: jag@levurebakery.com
- Instagram: @levure_bakery @joseantonio_gomez_g @
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/levurebakery/
Image Credit:
Jose Antonio Gomez-Guerra
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