Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Perez Ahuatl.
Hi Jose, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Jose M. Perez Ahuatl, and I was born and raised in Cholula, Puebla, also known as Cholollan, meaning “the place of those who built near the water” or “city built by hand.” That name resonates deeply with me—it represents the hard work, pride, and heart of my people.
I immigrated to New York City at a young age and got my start in hospitality at 15, thanks to my cousin Julio, who brought me into the industry through a small bistro called Azul in the Lower East Side. From there, I worked in more than a dozen restaurants, eventually stepping into my first management role at Balvanera, where I led a passionate and dedicated team.
Later, I made a choice to leave the fast pace of New York in search of a more grounded lifestyle—one that brought me to Raleigh and eventually to bartaco. Ironically, for someone seeking calm, bartaco is non-stop energy—but in the best possible way.
Joining bartaco North Hills has been the most transformative experience of my career. The leadership, the culture, and the level of care this company invests in its people is unlike anything I’ve seen. From day one, I felt both challenged and supported. I’m fully aligned with our philosophy of unreasonable hospitality, and I’m proud to help build something meaningful in this community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t been easy. Like many in this industry, I’ve faced my share of mistakes, long hours, and tough learning curves.
Managing people—with their different personalities and emotions—has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects. Public speaking was also a major hurdle for me. Standing in front of a team and leading with confidence didn’t come naturally.
But perhaps the biggest shift was accepting that this industry isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. That realization forced me to grow. I’ve learned that success comes from a lot of “I can,” and failure starts with “I can’t.”
The restaurant world humbles you. It pushes you to show up, even on the hard days. And through it all, I’ve become stronger and more grounded in my purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are bartaco North Hills, a proud member of the bartaco family, right here in Raleigh.
bartaco is more than a restaurant—it’s a vibe. A place where fresh flavors, hospitality, and connection come together. Our freshly squeezed margaritas are a guest favorite, and we use only the freshest ingredients in town.
But what truly sets us apart is our people-first culture. We’re obsessed with delivering memorable guest experiences, and it shows in every detail—from the welcome at the door to the final farewell.
Behind the scenes, bartaco is a brand that invests in its people. We’re coached, empowered, and given space to grow—as long as we show up with perseverance and heart.
What I want readers and guests to know is this:
You’re always welcome here. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, we’re here to create something special—together. We’re not just serving food; we’re creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
We’re good people. We believe in being real. And while we don’t take ourselves too seriously… we take what we do very seriously. So come hang with us.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Looking ahead, I believe the restaurant industry will continue to grow—but the brands that thrive will be the ones that slow down to connect.
In a world driven by speed and automation, human connection will be the real differentiator. At bartaco, we believe that in order to speed up, you must first slow down. That mindset guides everything we do—from training our teams to engaging with guests.
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see a clear shift toward hospitality-driven brands that prioritize warmth, intentionality, and service with heart. And bartaco is perfectly positioned for that future.
We’re not just a trend. We’re a brand with roots, values, and vision. And I genuinely believe—we’re here to stay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bartaco.com
- Instagram: @bartacolife
- Facebook: @bartacolife
- LinkedIn: @bartacolife
- Twitter: @bartacolife
