El Gordo: A Pandemic Success Story in Cobb County!
ATLANTA — If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to brighten your day, look no further than the new restaurant, El Gordo, in Cobb County. Owned by Nestor Pineda, Jr., this charming eatery has a name that carries a playful touch. El Gordo means “The Fatty” in Spanish, a nickname that Pineda proudly claims from his childhood as a chubby baby.
Opening Amid Uncertainty
The journey of El Gordo is nothing short of inspiring. When they opened their doors back in the spring of 2020, the world was facing an unprecedented pandemic shut down. “It was make or break for us at that time,” Pineda shared. Making the tough decision to launch during such uncertain times wasn’t easy, but Pineda and his family decided to return to their roots. They asked the question that many restaurant owners have asked themselves during these challenging days: “What can we do in the kitchen?”
Kitchen Magic with Mom’s Touch
The answer was simple and heartwarming. Pineda put his mother, Emelia, in charge of the kitchen. With a passion for cooking and years of family recipes at her fingertips, Emelia brought the culinary magic that El Gordo became famous for. The restaurant transitioned quickly to a carry-out model, which, as many in the industry know, is filled with its own set of challenges.
Spreading the Word
One of the most significant hurdles was getting the word out that they were open for business. To tackle this, a campaign called Latin Restaurant Weeks was born. This initiative was a lifeline for many Latin restaurants in the metro area, promoting them and providing much-needed advertising during a time when foot traffic was virtually nonexistent.
Building Community and Support
The launch of Latin Restaurant Weeks has made a tremendous impact over the years, and it’s now in its third year! The partnership with the nonprofit Feed the Soul Foundation has also been instrumental in providing grants to help struggling restaurants stay afloat. However, Pineda and his family managed to thrive without needing that extra financial support. The exposure and marketing from the campaign were enough to allow them to flourish.
A Second Location!
Thanks to their hard work and the community’s support, Nestor Pineda, Jr. eventually opened a second location of El Gordo in Buckhead! “They’ve been great at bringing awareness to Latin restaurants. Many are underserved and underfunded,” Pineda explained. His gratitude to the supporters behind the Latin Restaurant Weeks initiative is evident, recognizing their efforts to shine a light on small, family-owned eateries.
Join in the Fun!
Want to be part of this delectable celebration? Latin Restaurant Weeks in Atlanta runs through the end of the month. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore and indulge in the rich flavors and vibrant culture that Latin cuisine has to offer right in your local community. Enjoy great meals while supporting hard-working restaurants like El Gordo, which have become an important fabric of our culinary scene.
So whether you’re a fan of delicious tacos, enchiladas, or anything in between, there’s never been a better time to dig into your favorite Latin dishes while helping businesses like El Gordo thrive. We can’t wait to see what else this incredible family has in store!
