Episode 113: Jose Salazar with Safi Wine Bar, Salazars, & more

Award-winning Chef Jose Salazar was born in Colombia and raised in Queens, New York. His career includes working with Jean George Vongerichten, Thomas Keller, and other culinary luminaries. In 2008, he and his family moved to Cincinnati, where he now operates four successful concepts, including Salazar, Safi Wine Bar, Mita's, and Daylily.

"I found Cincinnati to be a big, small town, where word of mouth drives the success or failure of your restaurant,” says Salazar. “We were fortunate to develop a good following and are grateful for the success this community has provided." 

Salazar is also thankful for the chance meeting with a customer many years ago, who became an investor in the business and led to a wonderful partnership. "I knew the kitchen very well but wasn't aware of the financial and business aspects of restaurants," he says.

Salazar shares his experience with developing unique concepts, building a group of talented team members, and learning to operate a successful restaurant business. “It's no secret that this is a people business, and I learned it's best to trust your people but put your faith in your systems." He found that developing standard operating procedures is required for his team to operate consistently.

Salazar is committed to following the steps that made his restaurants successful. This includes fostering strong purveyor relationships to secure the finest local ingredients, offering a fresh seasonal menu, and providing guests with personal attention from his well-trained service staff. As Salazar says, "The basics of the service business have never been more important than they are today.”