Meet Norma Loredo | Chef

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

Hi Norma, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business came from a deep passion for food and the desire to build something meaningful on my own terms. Mexican cuisine carries culture, memories, and a sense of home, and I wanted to create a place where people could experience that authenticity in a simple and welcoming way.
Just as important to me was the team. I’m many restaurants where I worked before, I rarely saw staff treated with the respect and value they deserve. When I opened my restaurant, I wanted to do things differently, to build a workplace where people feel respected, appreciated, and proud of the work they do. For me, the human side of the business is just as important as the food we serve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional life has been shaped by years of working in the restaurant industry and learning the business from the ground up. I also graduated from Houston Community College with a degree in Culinary Arts. which gave me a strong technical foundation.

What sets me apart is the way I approach both the food and the people behind it. I care deeply about authenticity, quality, and creating a welcoming experience for guests, but I also believe that a great restaurant is built by a respected and motivated team. Many of my past experiences showed me how hard restaurant workers labor behind the scenes, and that shaped the way I lead my own team today.

The journey hasn’t been easy. The restaurant industry is demanding and full of challenges, from long hours to constantly adapting and solving problems. But those challenges taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of building strong systems and a strong team. Every obstacle became an opportunity to learn and improve.

What I’m most proud of is creating a restaurant that reflects my values: authentic food, a warm and welcoming environment, and a workplace where people feel respected and appreciated. My story is really about perseverance, passion, and the belief that with dedication and integrity, you can build something meaningful for both your community and the people who work alongside you

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a best friend were visiting for a week
We’d start with a walk through Buffalo Bayou Park to enjoy the skyline and get a feel for the city. After that, I’d take them to the Museum District because it has some incredible museums.
Of course, the food scene would be the best part of the trip. I have so many favorite restaurants but I’ll keep the list short: We’d stop for classic Tex-Mex at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, explore some BBQ at True BBQ, Persian food at Kasra, Portuguese tapas at Oporto, Indian/Pakistani at Agas, Cantonese at Mein, sushi at Oishii, Mexican at Hugo’s and of course my own restaurant La Cruderia, great food for the price.

At night, we’d probably explore areas like Montrose for its art scene, unique bars, and live music. I also love showing visitors the diversity of Houston—every neighborhood has a different culture and incredible food.

For me, the most exciting part of Houston is the people and the diversity. You can experience so many cultures, cuisines, and perspectives in one city, and that’s what makes it such a vibrant and inspiring place to live and run a restaurant

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my family, husband, and brother Jorge. They’ve always been a source of strength and their support gave me the confidence to peruse my own path.

Website: Www..lacruderiabar.com

Instagram: normaeliza11