We sat down with Pedro Barragán, the owner, to find out more about how he maintained his company through the difficult pandemic years, expanded it, and transformed it into an original, unique location with three businesses in one, receiving the award for Washington state’s finest tacos.
What motivated you to start your own business?
Pedro: I’ve always dreamt of owning my own business. Since I was in Mexico, my father, who owns ice cream parlors, has inspired me to continue being a businessman. Owning a business is something I absolutely love!
What motivates you to keep going despite the challenges of starting and operating a business?
Pedro: My motivation stems from the fact that I want to keep developing and progressing in this area, the restaurant industry is truly something I enjoy doing.
“ I never worked in restaurants, only ice cream parlors. It was something new to me that I picked up fast and enjoyed.”
When you started your restaurant, did you already have previous experience in the restaurant and seafood industry or did you have to learn everything from scratch?
Pedro: I had no prior experience in the food sector when, I began in 2019. I never worked in restaurants, only ice cream parlors. It was something new to me that I picked up fast and enjoyed. It’s been a really pleasant experience. My preference for seafood stems from the fact that I’m originally from Nayarit, one of the states with the highest seafood sales in México. There is a saying “If you are Nayarita, you know seafood!”
Tell us about the challenges you faced in keeping your company afloat.
Pedro: There were a lot. The COVID-19 pandemic was the most challenging for me and many of my coworkers, but we persevered and, with God’s help, made it through.
You mentioned that you’ve been able to get around these challenges by using creative ideas. Tell us more!
Pedro: Yes, we had to think about doing something different to get ahead with different ideas. When I first opened the company, it was only a restaurant, but I had the brilliant idea to add an ice cream parlor inside, which really helped me grow. I was the first person to accomplish something similar in Seattle, and we also incorporated a taco stand with a unique blend of ingredients and flavors from Mexico City and Nayarit. We’ve been named the best tacos in the state of Washington!
“Gravity also helped me with financing so that I could continue growing. I’ve advanced significantly; thanks to how easy Gravity makes it to pay back the financing. ”
How do you feel your business impacts the community?
Pedro: Our clients come to our restaurant for a satisfying dinner and then visit the ice cream parlor. Due to the fact that we are three businesses in one, people really love the experience. As a result, they always leave with wonderful memories of their time spent with us.
Tell us about your experience working with Gravity Payments.
Pedro: The truth is that it has been an unforgettable experience. A friend recommended it to me, and we have worked hand in hand. Gravity also helped me with financing so that I could continue growing. You must make changes in your business frequently, and many people find it difficult to invest. Something I’ve never feared is investing in my business, and Gravity has always been there for me, and thanks to them, I’ve advanced significantly; thanks to how easy Gravity makes it to pay back the financing.
Gravity has provided me with financing three times and I have been significantly successful. We are already en route to building a second location.
You have applied and obtained financing 3 times with Gravity Capital. Tell us a bit about this.
Pedro: Diego, our Gravity Payments rep, advised me about this financing option. I had no knowledge about it, and I really loved the idea. We had a conversation, and thanks to this financing with Gravity Capital, I have been able to thrive. We have changed many things in the restaurant and we have fixed a lot of things. It’s vital to update and invest in new equipment. I used this funding to reinvest in my company and honestly they make it very simple and easy to repay it back. So, in my opinion, you should invest in your own company, which is why we have already asked and paid for funding from Gravity Capital three times.
You mentioned that you are not afraid of reinvesting in your own business and this is what has largely helped you to get ahead. Tell us, what would you recommend to business owners who are afraid of investing?
I advise you to think about how important it is to get funding to invest in your company, but only when you are absolutely certain of what it will be used for. Request it, but only use it for something you know will be beneficial and will aid in the expansion and success of your company. For instance, they have been really effective for me. Gravity has provided me with financing three times and I have been significantly successful. We are already en route to building a second location.
ABOUT MR. CAMARON, PALETERIA LA MICHOACANA Y TAQUERIA PASTORCITO
Located at 1819 W Meeker St, in Kent, WA 98032. Enjoy three businesses combined into one with a wide selection of seafood on their menu, as well as excellent meals made with fresh ingredients from the Nayarit region. An ice cream parlor within the restaurant offers ice creams, fresh drinks, and a wide range of flavors, and if you’re looking for a traditional taqueria, step into their patio for a “tacos de trompo” experience. https://mrcamaron.com
