Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor.
Hi Victor, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
### My Story
My story begins in Mexico City, where I learned the true meaning of family, hard work, and gratitude.
Growing up, I helped my parents with their food business. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how much those experiences would shape my life. As I grew older, I realized that helping my parents was one of the ways I could give back and show my appreciation for everything they had given me.
When my mother passed away, my life changed. I knew it was time for a new chapter, and with the encouragement and support of my oldest brother, I made Houston my new home.
I arrived with a dream, a strong work ethic, and a passion for food. Before opening my own business, I worked in several restaurants throughout the Clear Lake and Houston areas. Those years taught me not only about cooking, but also about hospitality, dedication, and what it takes to make people feel welcome.
In 2000, with the support of my family, we opened our first restaurant in Pasadena, Texas. The response from our customers was incredible, and sales were very strong. But then difficult times came, including the storms and the events of 9/11. Those experiences made me stop and think about what was truly important. Instead of simply focusing on expansion, I wanted to focus on something more meaningful: creating great food and giving every customer the best experience possible.
Today, being in the El Lago/Seabrook area feels like coming home. I feel more connected to my customers and to the community around me. Every plate that leaves my kitchen carries a little piece of my journey, my family, and the lessons I learned along the way.
I still cook with the same love and passion that brought me here in the first place.
My goal has never changed: **I want every person who walks through my doors to leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and—most importantly—a smile on their face.**
This business is more than a restaurant to me. It is a tribute to my parents, a reflection of my family, and a way to share the love of food that has been part of my life since I was a child.
And as long as I can keep cooking, I will keep doing it with love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
### Obstacles and Challenges
I don’t believe in obstacles. I believe they are simply rocks in the road to success. You may have to slow down, move around them, or find another way forward, but you never stop.
The real challenges in life are much deeper. One of the hardest things I have experienced was losing my sister at an early age. She was not only my sister, but also an important part of our business and our family. Losing her left a space in our lives that can never truly be filled.
Then, just a year later, I lost my brother—my friend, my partner in crime, and someone who had shared so many important moments of my life. Losing two people I loved so much in such a short period was one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced. Their memories, however, continue to give me strength and remind me why I keep moving forward.
Throughout my journey, I have also faced economic crises, changes in the political environment, and the many uncertainties that come with running a small business. These challenges can be difficult, but I believe they are temporary. What matters is how you respond to them.
I believe in hard work, consistency, perseverance, and faith. When you continue showing up, continue working, and refuse to give up, you can overcome the difficult moments and continue building your dreams.
Life will always put rocks in the road. I choose to keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
### Our Business Is More Than a Restaurant
Our business is more than a restaurant—it is a story of **family, hard work, sacrifice, love, and the desire to make people happy.**
I have always believed in the phrase, **“The customer is always right.”** To me, those words are more than a saying—they are an inspiration and a motivation to constantly improve, to maintain high standards, and to never stop learning.
Every single plate that leaves our kitchen leaves with a thought in my mind: **“If this plate were for me, would I be proud to serve it?”** I know we are not perfect, but God knows how much love and care I put into every dish and how sincerely I want every person who walks through our doors to leave satisfied.
None of this would be possible without my family and our amazing team. My wife and daughter, my brothers and sisters working behind the scenes in the kitchen, our nieces and nephews and other family members helping in the front of the house, and every one of our employees all play an important part in making this business what it is today.
And then there are **you—our customers, our friends, and our extended family.** Your support, your trust, your encouragement, and even your honest criticism have helped us grow.
I truly enjoy what I do for a living. There is something special about watching people walk through our doors, sharing a meal, and leaving happy. That feeling is priceless.
And when someone leaves unhappy, I don’t see it simply as a failure. I see it as an opportunity to learn, to listen, and to do better next time. Every customer teaches us something, and every day gives us another opportunity to become better at what we do.
After all these years, I still feel blessed to come to work, cook with love, serve our community, and be surrounded by family and friends.
So please, **always, always support small family businesses.** Behind every small business is a family, a dream, sacrifices, long hours, and people who truly care about what they are building.
Thank you for being part of our journey, for supporting our family, and for allowing us to do what we love.
**Be happy. Eat healthy. And come enjoy some love on a plate at Valdo’s. ❤️**
With gratitude,
**Valdo’s Family**
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I almost forgot to mention that we also offer banquets and catering for special events. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, family gathering, or any other special occasion, we would be honored to host your private event here at Valdo’s and make it a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
God has been so good to me and my family. Through all the years, the challenges, the losses, and the blessings, He has continued to guide us and give us the strength to keep moving forward.
I also want to take a moment to ask for a prayer for all those customers who have gone to be with the Lord. They were not just customers to us—they became part of the Valdo’s family. I miss them dearly, and I will always be grateful for the memories, the conversations, the smiles, and the time they shared with us around our tables. They will always have a special place in my heart.
May God bless their families, bless everyone who has walked through our doors, and bless all the small businesses that work every day with love, sacrifice, and dedication to serve their communities.
And above all, may God continue to bless this great, great nation that has given so many of us the opportunity to work, dream, build, and create something for our families.
God bless you all, and from my family to yours—thank you for being part of our story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valdos.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValdosNasa
