Piada Spotlight | Jorge Martinez

Introducing Jorge Martinez! Jorge is our Market Partner in Minnesota and Texas and has been with Piada for just over 11 years. This past winter Jorge was gifted a trip to Italy with his wife to celebrate his 10-year milestone with Piada. When asked about his trip to Italy he said, “I had a phenomenal time, great food, amazing sightseeing, and that is something that I will never forget.” Jorge had lots of great stories to tell from his trip, however, you could tell he was anxious to get back to work. Jorge said, “I’m thankful, I’m grateful, and I came back even more excited to share it with my team that way they understand, and they know if they put in their time and they’re loyal to our brand and do all the right things, you will get rewarded.”

Rome’s culture was the highlight of his trip. The Colosseum was Jorge’s favorite thing to see. He thought it was so cool to be sitting and enjoying a meal with the Colosseum behind him holding so much history and culture. When asked what his favorite meal was, he said “Believe it or not, the spaghetti and meatballs.” Jorge said that less is more with Italian food and that is what makes it so unique.

Jorge and his wife are go-with-the-flow adventurers! Jorge talked about how he and his wife will pack for a trip, get in the car and flip a coin, and whoever it lands on, that person will choose north, south, east, or west, and that is the direction they will drive. He said one time it took them to Toronto, Canada! They decided that is where they wanted to stop, and they spent their week together there. Jorge said, “It’s just fun, you have no plans you just flip the coin and let destiny decide where you go.”

Like Rome, what Jorge loves about Piada is the culture. Jorge worked for the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, and he said he “always believed in great food and great service, and that is what brought [him] to Piada.” He appreciates the fresh ingredients and quality food. He says, “We start and finish with the Guest in mind.”

When asked what motivates him, Jorge said “the great opportunities for our teams.” Jorge enjoys seeing those who started as Team Members cooking, washing dishes, or on the line, now in leadership roles or working in the home office. He says, “That’s what motivates me, to continue creating opportunities for people in our company.”

Chief Operating Officer Lance Juhas had nothing but great things to say about Jorge; “From the frozen tundra of Minnesota to the Great State of Texas, there is no one better at Piada when it comes to Genuine Hospitality.  Whether we are talking about Guests or fellow Team Members, Jorge is always welcoming, genuine in his passion for greatness, and is truly Piada’s Mr. Genuine Hospitality.” 

Lance spoke more about Jorge’s ability to create an amazing experience for not only our Guests but Team Members as well. Jorge loves to teach and coach our Team Members on the nuances of cooking an amazing order of calamari, and how to make each Guest feel special. Lance said, “He welcomes each guest in the building with a ‘Welcome to Piada, what can I get started for you today’, and if he is on cash, he always thanks the Guest for coming in and we can’t wait for you to return.”

Jorge’s life motto is “Every day when you wake up you have a choice to make: do you want to be happy, or do you want to be miserable? I want to be happy.” People like Jorge are what make Piada successful. His positive energy is infectious. Here’s to another 10 years, Jorge!