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After the success of our first family restaurant, I often found myself dreaming about what it would be like to open a second location. The first restaurant, El Inca Plebeyo, has become a beloved gathering spot in our community, filled with laughter, good food, and cherished memories. As the years went by, the idea of expanding our culinary dream began to take shape.
The inspiration to open a second restaurant came during a particularly busy weekend at El Inca. The place was buzzing and the energy in the air was electric. Guests were excited, but I noticed some voices of disappointment when guests would call to book a table or ask for a takeaway but were too far to Islington. they were turned away due to a lack of available tables. I realized that we could reach even more hearts and bellies with another restaurant.
I spent countless evenings discussing this idea with my wife and my staff. We shared our hopes and fears, and soon, the excitement became contagious. We envisioned a new restaurant that would not only showcase our signature dishes but also introduce a twist that reflected the evolving tastes of our community.
The opportunity came when a guest from Venezuela whom we got to know during Covid introduced us to a hotel owner in Kensington, where he worked as a musician. This guest used to visit the restaurant at lunch to collect his daily portion of ‘arepas’ with pulled pork belly and fresh orange juice when we were only able to run a collection only service. The restaurant, Hux, was a place that resonated with our brand due to its exotic interiors and unique charm.
A couple of years passed whilst the hotel owner mulled over the idea of creating a restaurant in his hotel and, unknown to me, decided open a restaurant with a European concept which was being run by my former mentor. The hotel owner decided to change the concept and liked the idea of serving my modern Ecuadorian menu at the Hux.
Once we made the agreement, we got to work. We wanted the new restaurant to feel like an extension of our first one, but with its own personality. We decided to focus on a fresh, seasonal menu that emphasized local ingredients to match the vibrant cocktail bar and lively atmosphere.
I also focused on building a strong team, holding interviews, seeking passionate individuals who shared our vision for creating exceptional dining experiences. It was important to us that the staff felt like family, just as they did in our first restaurant.
After weeks of hard work and preparation, the day of the grand opening finally arrived. We had planned a celebratory event, inviting friends and family. As the doors swung open, I felt a rush of emotions—excitement, nerves, and a sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought us to this moment. The atmosphere was electric as guests poured in, eager to experience our new culinary venture. The scent of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, and the sound of laughter filled the space. It felt surreal to see our dream come to life once again.
As the weeks have passed since our opening in June 2024, the restaurant is finding its rhythm, some nights are busier than we anticipated, leading to delays in service and occasional hiccups in the kitchen. I remember the early days of our first restaurant and the growing pains we had faced, so I am determined not to repeat those mistakes.
We are now in a storming phase, getting to know the restaurant and hotel staff, having regular meetings to discuss how to improve operations, fine-tune our menu, and enhance the guest experience. I am reminded of the importance of resilience and adaptability in the restaurant industry.
Looking back on the journey of opening our second restaurant, I am filled with gratitude. What began as a dream during a busy night in our first location evolved into a thriving establishment that has brought joy to so many. The lessons learned from our first restaurant are paving the way for our success, and the support of our community has been invaluable.
As we continue to grow, I am excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. Our second restaurant has not only expanded our culinary footprint but has also deepened our commitment to our community. We are dedicated to serving great food while fostering connections that enrich the lives of those around us.
In the end, opening a second restaurant has not just been about business—it is about creating a legacy, sharing our love for food, and building a sense of belonging. I am proud to be part of a family that believes in the power of a shared meal, and I look forward to all the delicious moments yet to come.