The Godinez Sisters: Pioneering a New Era in Mexican Cuisine
In the heart of San Diego, Chantelle and Crystal Godinez, the visionary sisters behind the success of Sunday Breakfast Society, are redefining the traditional narrative of Mexican cuisine. The duo is set to contribute to the North Park’s culinary scene with the opening of Carne y Hueso at The Waldorf in Spring 2024. This full-service restaurant, housed in a historic 50s-era building undergoing transformative renovation, exemplifies the sisters’ commitment to blending tradition with innovation. Their culinary venture mirrors their journey—rich in history, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. The Godinez sisters sat down with us to share their story.
A Culinary Legacy:
The Godinez sisters’ journey began 14 years ago when they joined their parents’ restaurant, Birrieria Don Rafa. Originally focused on serving authentic Mexican cuisine, the family restaurant quickly became a local gem. However, the sisters had broader aspirations beyond the familial eatery. After completing their college studies and Crystal achieving her master’s degree, the sisters returned to San Diego with a resolute determination to carve out a significant impact in the hospitality industry. Departing from the conventional family-owned model, they embraced a corporate perspective, aspiring for scalability and expansive growth. Crystal reflects on their journey, stating, “We wanted to forge our own path. Going to college allowed us to see how we could run things differently.” The sisters recognize the need for hard work but advocate for balance. Chantelle expresses, “It’s okay to grow your business and give responsibilities to other people instead of wanting to do everything yourself and then having to sacrifice so much family time.”
Navigating Challenges as Sisters in Business:
Running a business with family can be challenging, but the sisters emphasize the strength of their close-knit sisterhood. Embracing the challenges of running a business as sisters, Chantelle emphasizes, “We’ve always been very close. We were raised to always be able to communicate and talk to each other in a civil way.” Crystal adds, “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” Their upbringing instilled in them a valuable skill set for effective communication and conflict resolution, allowing them to navigate the complexities of business together. Chantelle concludes, “You have to see [each other] more often. If you’re upset, and you have to talk about it. If you guys don’t agree with something, there has to be an agreement instead of ignoring it because this person is more than just your business partner.”
Merging Authenticity with Diversity:
With Carne Y Hueso, the Godinez sisters are not only expanding their culinary horizons but also breaking new ground in the realm of fusion cuisine. Infusing influences from diverse regions in Mexico, the sisters aim to present a dynamic menu that encompasses dishes from Jalisco and Oaxaca, showcasing the vibrant diversity of Mexican gastronomy. Crystal Crystal noted, “We want to offer a whole package – quality, taste, ambiance, and service. It’s about opening up to endless possibilities.”
Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs:
The sisters share a candid piece of advice for those venturing into the restaurant business. Crystal emphasized the need for mental preparedness, saying, “Be ready for anything and everything that comes your way. Handle it with grace, patience, and, yes, a lot of hard work.”
Chantelle added, “It’s a long-term commitment. Don’t base it solely on passion or the desire to become a millionaire. There has to be a deeper commitment and something attached to your idea.”
A New Chapter Unfolds:
As the Godinez sisters continue to make waves in the culinary world, their journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring restaurateurs. Carne Y Hueso not only introduces a new era of Mexican cuisine but also exemplifies the power of innovation, commitment, and the unique bond between two sisters determined to leave their mark on the culinary landscape.
Article by Pollyana Ramos Tucker