Carlos' first experience in the restaurant business was as a dishwasher/busboy where his father worked. This job was supposed to be encouragement for him to improve his school grades. He actually fell in love with the restaurant business and has worked in it his whole life, except for a construction job where he only lasted 2 weeks. It is always good to know what you don’t want to do as a career.

The 3 Agavero restaurant locations each offer a different dining experience. The Midtown location is higher priced and caters to a more affluent crowd, with a taste for high end margaritas and drinks, etc. The Lawrenceville Highway location is more suburban with lower prices but also popular for date night.  Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are always busy at the Lawrenceville Hwy location.  The Bus is set up for fast casual dining, with a more limited menu.  He wants the Bus to be like a Mexican Chick-fil-A, with fast and friendly service, but saying “My Pleasure” in Spanish, but it did not sound quite right!

The restaurants struggled at the beginning of the pandemic but were able to make it with the support of the community.  The Bus was the first location to reopen for business, since they have the open-air patio. Carlos plans to add shade or awning to the top part of the bus, for the sunny summer days.

Important business lesson learned from his grandfather and father was work ethic.  His grandfather worked in restaurants 6 days a week.  His father, a waiter, helped Carlos learn the importance of being social and to interact with the customers, to keep them happy and want to come back.

We are very happy Carlos has made Agavero Parkside such a wonderful addition to Lilburn City Park.

----  Andrea Alvarez