We had the good fortune of connecting with Alberto Ochoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alberto, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ive always felt the need to be a big risk taker and to have freedom in decisions where I dont need to ask anyone for permissions, my though process was to always be my own person and take a leap of faith. Starting your own business is not of course about money at first, money is a by product of such in the long run, my thought process has always been so I can have that freedom to make decisions and most important to have freedom in general.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched Revolucion Cantina in 2002, with very limited resources and almost no industry experience, we arrived in downtown Fullerton and immediately set a trend not only with our traditional Mexican food concept but with our unique and original entertainment that set us apart from everyone else, we grind each and everyday against adversity in a town that was not used to our unique and original approach. We set the standard in entertainment in a downtown that was never used to this. Our percistance has kept us afloat in the challenges that arise in economic uncertainty. The restaurant industry is cut throat and if you dont stay relevant is death and the same industry has given us the experience to find a new identity and branch out into other fields that are tied into the food and beverage industry such as launching our very own mezcal brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Mezcal lover I would definitely bring them to Revolucion Cantina & Mezcaleria for a Mezcal tasting and education, Start with some authentic and delicious food, sip on some Mezcal and cocktails and stay for our entertainment. If I was to take them to another restaurant I would definitely take them to Detention in Santa Ana for a culinary delight paired perfectly with Firme Mezcal cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a few people that are very important in my life and my wife Elizabeth would be the one I must give the biggest shot out for sure, she has been there no matter how difficult things have become and thru the high and lows with a lot of lows, she has always trusted the process and kept me afloat with support and words of encouragement. My parents Eladio and Fatima for always believing in my crazy ideas. My current mentor Jim Riley for guiding me and for those wise words of mentorship and asdvise, helping me launch our newest business Firme Mezcal.

Website: www.firmemezcal.com

Instagram: @firmemezcal

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