256 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE Growing up in Mexico, Edson Garcia watched his mother and grandmother, Fidencia Gavito, cook authentic cuisine, introducing him to the culinary arts. He recalls selling candy, tortillas and tamales on the streets to customers, and upon immigrating to the United States in 2003, he began serving in a variety of industries. First involved in construction, he soon became a dishwasher at a hospital, where he witnessed the hospital chef creating dishes for patients and faculty. Inspired, he desired to delve into the same career, and as his career progressed, he escalated from a server to line cook, assistant manager, bartender and food truck chef. In 2018, Mr. Garcia established his own business as owner and chef, La Bamba Mexican Grill Restaurant, in El Mirage, Arizona. Alongside this, he also dedicates his time to serving the homeless population, churches and schools. In light of his outreach services, Mr. Garcia received recognition from the Arizona State Congress. La Bamba was also named “Best Mexican Restaurant in Arizona” by MSN and Phoenix New Times, and is the only restaurant to maintain five stars on Yelp for over two years. The restaurant has received over 22 awards. OWNER, CHEF La Bamba Mexican Grill Restaurant El Mirage, AZ Beginning his career in the Japanese restaurant business in 1990, Wlfrano Melo notably worked for the first Japanese restaurant in California. Working for another business between 1992 and 2003, he learned how to cook delectable Japanese and Korean cuisine prior opening his very first restaurant in 2003. Climbing up the ladder of success, he has been the owner of Tora Sushi Seaside since 2008 and the owner of Tora Sushi Astoria since 2013. Affiliated with his local Chamber of Commerce and the Restaurant Association, Mr. Melo attributes his career success to his passion for his work. Although his career has been filled with highlights, he is especially proud of his work in the kitchen, where he continues to create authentic Japanese food for his customers. Acclaimed by many in the area of Seaside, Oregon, Mr. Melo’s restaurants have been met with much success. Looking forward the future, he intends to ease into a well-deserved retirement and enjoy more time spent with his family, including his six children, in Mexico. For more information, please visit https://torasushi.com. OWNER Tora Sushi Astoria Seaside, OR Millennium Magazine Featured Listee WLFRANO MELO EDSON GARCIA
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