Meet HUGO MEYER | Executive Chef & Proprietor

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

Hi HUGO, what role has risk played in your life or career?
No risk, no reward. I take calculated risks. I do my homework and research before I go all in. I also think if you commit yourself to hard work and perseverance your risk is lessened.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is mostly centered around building restaurants from the literal foundation up. I have built them from bamboo and drift wood, concrete block and tile and most recently steel and brick. I enjoy designing restaurants. I enjoy the freedom of a blank slate to start with. And from there, I work to design my menu and integrate my travels and life abroad into each item.

My journey to success has been challenging. I grew up in Argentina and it was evident to me when I graduated High School there was no future in Argentina. I left for Germany. Never flown before, never left Argentina. I arrived in a new country unfamiliar with their language, their customs, their environment.

I began as a dishwasher in a pub and quickly rose to General Manger with the offer to open another location for the company in Munich. However, I felt the urge to start something of my own, and I wanted to live where it was warmer! So I moved to Alicante Spain where I opened my first restaurant, Carpe Diem.

Since then, I have lived throughout Europe and the Caribbean and opened a handful of restaurants. Each time I have learned more. More about the restaurant business, more about the culture and country I assimilate into and more about myself.

Lessons I have learned is that nothing is impossible. Whenever I am faced with adversity I remember in the word impossible is possible and where there is a will there is a way. Life is short and life is meant to be lived.

I make sure to enjoy each day at work and to share my life experience with my peers and team members. I hope in my life stories they are able to find motivation and inspiration to better themselves and to push through difficult times.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places and activities I would want to share with someone visiting me here in Colorado is a hot air balloon ride in Erie, Co, a drive through Trail Ridge Road, and a visit to Colorado National Golf Course with a sunset drink overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my father, Alfredo Meyer as my source of inspiration, mentorship and motivation throughout my career and lifetime. He always told me if you can dream it you can do it.

Website: www.piripirestaurant.com

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