Episode 42: Raz Halili & Joe Cervantez

Raz Halili returned home from a trade show to learn that his father had purchased a closed beachfront restaurant in San Leon, Texas. The Halili family has operated a successful seafood wholesale company for years, but Raz knew running a restaurant would be a much different experience. The second-generation oyster man found himself in the restaurant business.

 

"I had no restaurant experience," says Raz, "but I knew that I needed strong people to help build the foundation of my concept." He turned to Joe Cervantez, armed with experience in the kitchen of fine-dining landmark creole seafood concept Brennan’s, to be executive chef for the new seafood & oyster house restaurant -- Pier 6 

 

Learn how in just two years Raz and Joe worked together to create a successful beachfront seafood dining experience, and since expanded into lodging with six beachfront rental bungalows to serve local residents and weekend, destination visitors. The surf and turf menu has a heavy New Orleans influence and is seasonally updated. The expansive premises accommodate outdoor balcony space along with beautifully appointed interior dining and bar areas, for both casual and special-occasion dining. Raz and Joe explain how they quickly developed a successful brand with a quality menu and high-performing team in spite of Covid labor and supply chain challenges.