GEMCC's Monthly Luncheon Series

Guest Speaker & Featured Caterer

Russell started his restaurant career in the kitchen washing dishes and learning

first-hand all facets of the food service industry. He caught the entrepreneurial spirit

early and started El Matador Foods in 1986, a tortilla factory in Baytown, Texas. Gringo’s

Tex-Mex came to life in 1993 when Russell had the opportunity to branch out on his

own, taking over a building in Pearland that had been home to four other failed

restaurant concepts. Russell applied his philosophy of serving the highest quality

Tex-Mex at the lowest price possible for the new venture. The community responded and

has allowed Russell, along with his 2,600 team members, to expand the company to 22

locations, including four other concepts – Jimmy Changas, Bullritos®, The Lunch Box and

Burger Libre with two more Gringo’s locations currently in development, Conroe and

Tomball.

Thirty years later, Russell’s passion for the well-being of his team members and

community is paramount. Take care of what is important and the rest will fall into place.

As President and CEO of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen & Jimmy Changas restaurants, he

considers himself extremely fortunate to serve tacos and enchiladas for a living.

“I believe that in order for a business to realize its true purpose, their primary mission

must go beyond focusing only on profits.” ~ Russell Ybarra

MENU

Appetizers

Veracruz Shrimp - brochette-style with Mexican panela cheese, jalapeno, bacon-wrapped
Chips + Salsas on Table

Main Course

Fajita Buffet - steak & chicken fajita meat, grilled onions, Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, grated cheese, with flour tortillas

Dessert

Wednesday May 3, 2023
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Doors open: 11:00 am
Food served: 11:20 am
Program starts: 12:00 pm

The Atrium Center
21575 Hwy 59 N
New Caney, TX 77357

$30 - Members Preregistered
$40 - Walk-Ins & Potential Members
$400 - Table Sponsor