EPISODE · Dec 10, 2025 · 36 MIN
From Towel Boy to Restaurant Mogul: The Story Behind MamaSushi & Leña
from The Gadiel Del Orbe Show · host Ariel Espinal, Gadiel Del Orbe
Ariel Espinal – Dominican entrepreneur and restaurateur, part of the team behind MamaSushi and Lena in New York City.In this episode, we talk about:How Ariel went from a 13-year-old towel boy at a country club to working his way through New York’s restaurant sceneWhy he walked away from automotive school after realizing he was already making “mechanic money” as a runnerThe behind-the-scenes story of MamaSushi Harlem and how a viral video helped blow it upOpening MamaSushi Bronx and Lena in a historic Italian neighborhoodWhat really matters when choosing a restaurant location and building a conceptSurviving the pandemic with a brand-new restaurant and negotiating with landlordsA failed Florida restaurant, what he learned, and why you “can’t be afraid to fail”How his biggest fear (being homeless) keeps him hungry and focusedWhy being a giver – with customers, staff, and community – is one of his keys to success00:00 – From Country Club Towel Boy to Restaurant Boss07:55 – The Moment He Chose Restaurants Over College & Mechanics15:50 – “I Wanted to Quit”: Almost Walking Away from MamaSushi21:20 – Building MamaSushi Bronx & Opening During a Pandemic33:40 – Why Failing in Florida Made Him Better (and His Biggest Fear) 🎥 Full video on YouTube • Clips on TikTok & IG @GadielDelOrbe📣 New episodes every Wednesday — subscribe & leave a 5★ review!💼 Business / booking: [email protected]
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What this episode covers
In this episode, Gadiel sits down with Dominican entrepreneur Ariel Espinal, one of the minds behind New York staples MamaSushi and Leña in the Bronx and Harlem. Ariel shares how he went from a 13-year-old towel boy at a country club to running packed restaurants, what actually makes a restaurant succeed, how he survived opening during the pandemic, and why failing in Florida became one of his best lessons. If you’ve ever dreamed about opening a restaurant, starting a business from nothing, or just love hearing real immigrant success stories rooted in Dominican culture and New York hustle, this conversation is for you.
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From Towel Boy to Restaurant Mogul: The Story Behind MamaSushi & Leña
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