Joancarlo Parkhurst
Chef & Owner of La Famosa
“The idea that people can have a truly great experience and you can make someone’s day in a matter of hours is what fuels me to keep working in this industry.„
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Resilience above all else is the most important skill to possess when working in this industry. You must be organized and brutally honest.
Cooking at Tortilla Sam’s in Worcester showed me that this was a world you could make a living in.
I still don’t know that this is the right profession for me, it’s a tough game, full of highs and lows.
Be humble and do your best at all times. Nothing is certain. Good ideas and execution don’t always translate to success.
A mentor of mine used to always say, “United we stand, divided we are unemployed.”
I’m not good at balance. I’m lucky my wife supports and tolerates me. I try to practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as often as possible and spend as much quality time with my family as possible.
I look for good people with good vibes and ethics, regardless of experience most of the time. I can teach skills, but I can’t teach diligence or responsibility.
When it comes to motivating my team, I try to make it fun and keep the mood light. At the end of day, it’s just pickles and mayo.
Disclaimer: Individuals featured in the Inspirational Career Timelines section have been nominated by peers, colleagues and/or other members of the hospitality industry. It is to the best of our knowledge that each individual has demonstrated leadership and acted as a positive role model for others.
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