60 years of service is what customers get when they walk through the doors of Leal's Mexican Restaurant. And owner Victor Leal continues to use a passion for service as his way of reaching out to Amarillo.
"The key to service is passion," Leal told The Amarillo Pioneer, "The foundation of that service has to be love. I have to love every guest and cater to their needs."
Leal's started in Muleshoe, Texas in 1957. Leal's mother and father started the restaurant with a tortilla machine and Leal has since continued on with the legacy left by his parents. Since continuing the history and the gift of Leal's, Victor Leal has used his restaurant as a way of returning his gratitude to the community.
"Dad taught us an axiom that meant something like, 'nobody owes you a damn thing.' It's about learning, earning and returning. Learn your craft, earn, and then return." Leal said. "Giving back to the community is the main thing."
Family is first to Victor Leal. His priorities are family, his staff, and his community. In his position as owner of the restaurant, Leal continues to work to service his staff and his community.
For aspiring business owners, Leal says to seek good advice and counsel and to find something that you love.
"Seek good counsel," Leal said, "See somebody making an impact and ask them. They will most likely tell you. Most people understand that in God's economy, what you give is what you get. Find good mentors, work hard and find something you're passionate about."
Victor Leal has found his passion and he is happy to share it with anyone who sits with him. Whether it is at the dinner table or the conference table, Leal continues to work to leave his community even better than he found it.
