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. , November 1993 — The Beacon A31People in BusinessBob Gonzales’ love of people led him to restaurantsBob Gonzales always has a friendly smile.Phyllis CookBob Gonzales* career veered toward the food industry when he started parking cars at the Cork N’Cleaver restaurant in Tucson in 1966 while a sociology major at the University of Arizona. He was soon put in a managerial position and today, Gonzales, at age 50, is a partner and general manager of Beckett’s Restaurant, 128 South Tejon. “It is my life-long interest inpeople that attracted me to the restaurant business,” says Gonzales with an engaging smile.Gonzales became general manager of Beckett’s in 1980. Prior experience includes opening his own restaurant in Tempe in 1974 — “a partnership that didn’t work.” He also held management positions with the Cork ‘n Cleaver restaurants in Tuscon, Boulder and Scottsdale. While in Boulder, he hired Dave Lux (who was a student at Colorado University) as a dishwasher.They have maintained their friendship throughout the years.Lux is now owner of the Ritz, Beckett’s, Jose Muldoons, and partner in Old Chicago of Colorado. Gonzales became operations manager of the five Concept Restaurants in 1978.“I have never been comfortable in the traditional European cuisine. Here at Beckett’s our concept works. We slant our menu toward people who enjoy hearty, tasty, American fare. Our atmosphere is casual. Our main goal is to make Beckett’s a restaurant that our customers will look forward to revisiting often — knowing they can depend upon good food, good service, and a relaxing atmosphere, and very reasonable prices,” Gonzales said.People 55 and older, particularly appreciate Beckett’s invitation to dine at half-price between 5 and 6 p.m. seven days a week. This offer is for the food portion of the bill only and is not good with any other promotions such as their all-you-can-eat barbecue, etc.Gonzales emphasizes, “The most important characteristic of a staff member is that he or she is a genuine caring person. Our people are friendly, and sincere. You may have a crackerjack server but if he or she doesn’t have heart, he or she doesn’t belong at Beckett’s.”Long-time Colorado Springs residents remember when 128 South Tejon was the location of J. Maurice Finn’s restaurant. In 1990it was decided to change the concept of Finn’s as well as its name. Beckett’s is that new concept. “Finn’s — a “special occasion” restaurant — was in its heyday from 1983 to 87. The economy was good in Colorado Springs. “Then fish tripled in price and we decided the restaurant needed a complete change. People objected at first and we spent a great deal of money on advertising. Now, our new menu and image is accepted.” Occasionally, however, Gonzales states, “We have someone come here and ask, ‘What happened to J. Maurice Finn’s?”* Beckett’s, as well as Finn’s, is a convenient and excellent choice for dining before performances at the Pikes Peak Center.“My family is the most important part of my life,” Gonzales said. “My wife, Susan, and our two sons, James, 5, and Michael, 6. We like the out-of-doors, and we like to read.”
Newspaper Details
Colorado Springs Beacon
Colorado Springs, Colorado, US
Mon, Nov 01, 1993
Page 31
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 30 Oct 2023
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