8: John & Andrea Gabaldon of La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen

A little about our guests. John & Andrea have been together for 12 years. They have 2 children, ages 2 and 5. Both children love to do small things in the restaurant and interact with the customers. John was born in Spain and was a military kid, so he travelled a lot. He has a degree in International Business and a Master’s in Business Management. Andrea was born in the Netherlands and raised in Flagstaff, AZ. Her degree is in International Hotel Restaurant Management. She worked at the prestigious Four Seasons Resort in the Finance Management department.  They first came up with the idea of opening a restaurant when traveling the world and they were sitting at a pizza shop in Australia. A little about their business. John comes from a restaurant family. The original thought was for a pizzeria. But instead they opened a New Mexican Restaurant. Neither was an entrepreneur before opening the restaurant. La Ristra has been in business for 2 ½ years. They share the duties to maintain a work/life balance. They aren’t together 24/7 so that someone is always with the children.  One piece of advice (the nutshell version) Andrea: Let your kids come into the business. It helps them better understand why mommy and daddy are always working. And it gives them a sense of pride. John: Go into something you enjoy and are proud to do. Reading Material Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler Get in Touch with Our Guests La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen638 E. Warner RoadGilbert, AZ 85296 480-545-2880 www.LaRistraAZ.com