FROM THE COURTS TO THE KITCHEN: EAST LOS ANGELES RESIDENT WINS BIG IN THE CONCESSION BUSINESS
(LOS ANGELES – January 21, 2000) Imported hand painted tile. Bright, vibrant colors. The smell of mama’s cooking. The warm feeling of family and friends. It’s not Sunday dinner at home, but a visit to El Paseo Café located at Terminal One and the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The brainchild of East Los Angeles native Andy M. Camacho, El Paseo Café is a concession stand that provides tasty Mexican dishes to satisfy that travel hunger.
Camacho began his journey to success as a lawyer. He practiced corporate and administrative law. In 1979, Camacho was an attorney for President Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. His passion for law and hunger for success led Camacho to research investment opportunities outside of the law arena. In 1984, he bought his first restaurant and the rest as they say is "history."
Camacho’s first restaurant was the historic El Paseo Inn located on historic Olvera Street. The 250-seat restaurant was established over 60 years ago in an area that is famous for its Mexican culture and history.
"I may not know how to cook, but I have learned the business side of the restaurant industry," explained Camacho. "Before I entered into a partnership with Los Angeles World Airports, I needed experience in the restaurant business."
In May of 1993, Camacho expanded his food and beverage operation by opening Camcaho’s Cantina. The 400-seat restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine and is located at Universal Studios Citywalk. The same year, he opened a 275-seat Mexican fish and seafood restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier. Mariasol Restaurant features a variety of seafood dishes and other Mexican specialties.
A few years after opening El Paseo Restaurant in 1984, Camacho had his first taste of airport business in 1987. He entered into a partnership with Host Marriott as a sub-contractor at Terminal 8.
In 1995, the El Paseo Café opened in Terminal One of LAX and in 1996, a second one was added in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. "There has to be a lot of hard work, luck and a degree of sophistication when establishing a partnership with the airport," stated Camacho. "I had three operations before the airport and that gave me the experience of walking before running. I understand that this partnership is a business, and just because you are a minority, does not mean that will get you anywhere." The tasty cuisine of the El Paseo Café can also be found at Ontario International Airport, which is also owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports.
The concession business for Camacho has increased dramatically over the years. Most recently, three Camacho’s Cafés opened at the Staples arena and in January of 2000, travelers at the George Bush International Airport in Houston will be able to satisfy their taste buds at El Paseo Café.
"I was given the opportunity to work in the airport arena and that is where I learned the airport operation. I started by partnering with a national food service company and using my prior knowledge in business to show my partners that I had the ability to compete."
Southern Californians can also experience the warm, friendly service and mouth watering cuisine at various other Camacho endeavors. In 1998, he began operation of a 500-seat restaurant in King Harbor City of Redondo Beach. Camacho’s Grill specializes in Latino cuisine and offers an exhibition kitchen in the main dinning room. Camacho’s Cantina and Grill opened in June of this year at the former site of Peppers in the City of Industry.
According to Camacho, anyone seeking to conduct business with the airport should have business experience because it gives you leverage and credibility. "Experience shows that you have a proven track record and that you have the ability to compete at this high level."
Camacho has taken his experience and added to his menu other sporting venues. As a consultant for the St. Louis Rams, Camacho oversees the food and beverage operation for the football stadium. He will also operate the food and beverage concessions for the Westchester Golf Course, once the redevelopment of the course is complete in late 2000.
Over the years, Camacho has established himself as a successful businessman in the restaurant and concession industry with a hearty menu of numerous items to chose from. "When starting a business or entering into a partnership with someone as Los Angeles World Airports, it is important to have a business plan and raise the money needed for the venture because there is a big risk factor and possibly a minimal profit risk at the beginning."
Due to his years of experience in the restaurant industry, Camacho was able to partner with large food service companies such as Host Marriott, CA 1 Food Services, and Ogden Company to open concessions throughout Los Angeles World Airports. "The relationship the city has with minority contractors is important because it shows Los Angeles cares about the people of the city."
The father of three plans to retire soon and let his children take over the business. Before he closes his last deal, Camacho would like to encourage more Hispanics to get involved with contracting opportunities with the airport. "It is important to start off by partnering with one of the big boys because you never know where the partnership may lead you."
For contracting opportunities with Los Angeles World Airports, please visit their website at www.lawa.org or call 310-417-6490.
