Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomas Villarreal.
Hi Tomas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in lending, but in 2015 I decided to follow my passion for cooking. While I was in culinary school, I worked weekends in restaurants to gain experience and quickly realized that working in the kitchen was what I wanted to do full time.
After graduating, I had a hard time landing chef positions because I didn’t have years of restaurant experience, so I decided to create my own opportunity and started Mingo’s Latin Kitchen. We specialize in Tex-Mex and Latin American cuisine and cater all kinds of events throughout Houston—from corporate events, employee appreciation lunches, and office catering to birthday parties, weddings, and private celebrations.
In 2023, I partnered with Manuel Castaneda to open Side Chick HTX, a chicken tender concept located inside Underground Food Hall in downtown Houston.
Alright, 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?
Since starting the business in 2015, we’ve faced our share of challenges—from the ups and downs of the economy to COVID and the rising costs of labor and food. We’ve had to adapt our business model several times, both with Mingo’s Latin Kitchen and Side Chick HTX. A lot of it has been trial and error, but every challenge has taught us something. We’ve learned from our mistakes, stayed flexible, and continued finding ways to improve and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own two food concepts in Houston: Mingo’s Latin Kitchen, which specializes in Tex-Mex and Latin American catering, and Side Chick HTX, a chicken tender concept in downtown Houston. At Mingo’s, we cater everything from corporate lunches and employee appreciation events to weddings, birthday parties, and private celebrations.
What I’m most proud of is building these businesses from the ground up and continuing to grow through challenges like COVID, rising food costs, and an ever-changing economy. I think what sets me apart is my willingness to adapt, keep learning, and always focus on taking care of my customers. A lot of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and to me, that’s the biggest compliment we can receive.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support us is to keep us in mind for your next event. Whether it’s a corporate lunch, employee appreciation event, wedding, birthday party, festival, or private gathering, we’d love the opportunity to cater it.
If you’re a business owner, event planner, or venue, we’re always open to collaborations and partnerships. And if you’ve had our food before, leaving us a review, recommending us to a friend, or sharing us on social media makes a huge difference for a small business.
You can follow us on social media:
– Mingo’s Latin Kitchen: @mingoshtx
– Side Chick HTX: @sidechickhtx
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mingoslatinkitchen.com
- Instagram: @mingoshtx
- Facebook: @mingoshtx
- Other: https://www.sidechickhtx.com
