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Founder Brings Tradition, Fun to CincinnatiÂ’s own Mexican Restaurant Chain

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 09, 2008 )
He is an army soldier turned art student, eventually becoming one of Greater Cincinnati’s most successful restaurateurs combining his discipline and resolve with an exceptionally creative mind. And, chances are, you probably don’t even know his name. He has a passion for tequila, uses the moniker of patron in his email, and is embarking on a major growth initiative with his Cincinnati based restaurant chain. Surely, you know Margaritas Restaurants – the brainchild of one Tony Vanjohnson.

Vanjohnson hit the Cincinnati pavement in 1986 with 40 bucks in his pocket and some big dreams in his eyes. Now, more than 20 years and six successful restaurants later, Tony is dedicated to creating the best Mexican dining experience for Cincinnatians – and beyond, working with business partner Brian Clark and recently hiring former Gold Star CEO John Sullivan to assist him in this aggressive growth initiative.

But becoming a successful restaurateur in Cincinnati isnÂ’t exactly the route young Vanjohnson expected to take.

Tony grew up in Los Angeles and began his career with the United States Army immediately after high school. His service to his country eventually led him to Cincinnati in 1986, where he finished the last years of service in the Army Reserves. It was at this moment, that Tony got his first taste of the Buckeye State, but the Southern California native took to Ohio like a lime to tequila.

After arriving in the Buckeye State, Tony decided to pursue one of the loves in his life – photography. He studied photography at the nearby Ohio Institute of Photography in Kettering. While working his way through photography school, he was bitten by the restaurant bug and began his glamorous career as a pizza delivery driver for Snappy Tomato. But the young would be entrepreneur watched, learned and plotted his future. “I would sit back and think, hey, I could do that,” he said. And, he did. Tony hadn’t even celebrated his 21st birthday yet when he plunged into the pepperoni and became the proud owner of a Snappy Tomato franchise in Cincinnati.

He incorporated the respect and determination he had learned while in the service to his business practices. Tony valued the strong leadership he was exposed to while at Snappy Tomato and used that knowledge to help build his own creative, classy, and clever management style – and it paid off. Within a few years, Tony’s restaurant was one of the most popular Snappy Tomato locations in Cincinnati. But, while Tony was experiencing great success within the pizza business, he longed for something more that brought him back to his Southern California roots – the great Mexican food.

While in California, Tony experienced some of the nation’s best authentic Mexican cuisine. But, after his arrival in Cincinnati, he said he felt couldn’t find the right place to quench his desire for a great Mexican meal. At this point, he decided he was going to make it his goal to create a place where friends and family could gather and enjoy hearty, authentic Mexican recipes, and of course, a great margarita. It was at this point, the seed was planted for what would become a Greater Cincinnati staple – Margaritas Restaurants, which opened it’s first restaurant in 1998. In its very first year, Margaritas was voted Best Margaritas by Cincinnati Magazine and later, the Cincinnati Enquirer.

His wife, and middle school sweetheart, Tiffany, supported him in his quest for the great Cincinnati Mexican restaurant, and brought with her a tremendous amount marketing experience which combined with TonyÂ’s undying passion for the culture.

Tony had been traveling to the heart of Mexico for several years, soaking up the sights, the sounds and great personalities that Mexico had to offer. He used it as his inspiration, and in creating a spirited, creative atmosphere that exudes spunk and passion and energy. Tony recalls one particular trip that ended in a 12-hour train ride and a perfect open air view of the Mexican coast. He had heard about an exquisite restaurant that was located on the Gulf coast, and decided to take the train to the restaurant, because he had heard so much about the beauty of the trainÂ’s route through the Sierra Madre mountains. The train pushed along (at about 10 mph) through the hills, and twelve hours later, Tony had reached his destination.

“I really never thought that train would never stop,” he explained. “But in the end, it was one of the most rewarding trips I have ever taken.” Like Sir Gallahad and the Holy Grail, the trip not only exposed Tony’s taste buds to some interesting and tasty Mexican dishes, but also opened his eyes to the idea of a dining experience that incorporated outdoor seating and local Mexican decorations. The open air concept of that particular restaurant helped shape some of the architectural design of the Margarita’s restaurants. When patrons walk into each Margarita’s restaurant, you can just feel the authenticity, and the fun. From the traditional stucco walls, to the authentic memorabilia and music, you feel as though you are transported to the streets of Mexico.

But what is a Mexican restaurant named Margaritas without great margaritas and an exquisite collection of tequila? Tony created the Tequila Club in 1999 to showcase the 35 brands of tequila offered by the Mexican chain. Many brands are available in Ohio because of Tony’s close relationships with distributors from Mexico. Tony’s favorite margarita? The Latino Affair – a combination of Patron tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier and a splash of sour mix and orange juice, what’s not to love?

“We have created a strong restaurant and brand in a city that I genuinely love, and that, well that is true happiness for me,” he says with a smile.

Indeed, whatÂ’s not to love.



Margaritas Mexican Restaurants
Allison Brinkman
859-291-4302
allison@eisenmanagementgroup.com
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