Meet Ronal Meza | Mixologist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Ronal, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The biggest factor behind my success has been treating every event like it’s my own. If I’m working a wedding, I approach it as if I’m the one getting married. I know how important this day is for the bride, and I make sure to treat it with the same care and attention. Staying genuine is also key. I’ve learned that when I’m true to myself, it really shines through in my work and helps me connect with people. It’s not always easy, though. I try to focus on my businesses and not get distracted by competition, but with the need to stay on top of trends and social media, it can be tough. Instagram and TikTok are great for business, but balancing that with staying authentic is tricky. I just try to stay grounded and remember why I started in the first place.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My businesses include Bar Chefs Houston, Bar Chefs Austin, and Petal & Pour Fine Syrups. What sets us apart is our focus on making sure everything looks beautiful and tastes just as good, whether it’s cocktails at an event or the syrups we create. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, especially given where I started. I come from a very humble background and struggled with addiction for almost a decade. In 2018, I got really sick, ended up in the hospital, and nearly died. That was my rock bottom, but after several surgeries, I made it out alive. When I got out in January 2018, I had to start my life over from scratch.

I had my family by my side through it all, and their support made it possible. I started working as a server, moved up to bartending, and eventually got promoted to the corporate office of the restaurant I worked for. But then, I got laid off, and it felt like a punch to the gut. I thought I would retire there, so I didn’t know what to do. A friend of mine, Nick, pushed me to start selling syrups, and I did. This was during COVID, so I started with an online store, eventually bringing my syrups to local markets and stores. From there, I launched Bar Chefs Houston, and we’ve since expanded to Austin.

It hasn’t been easy. There were so many moments of uncertainty, but I kept going by staying focused and remembering how far I’d come. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is everything—you can start over no matter how low you’ve been. I want people to know that my story and my brand are built on determination and the belief that it’s never too late to turn things around.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, I’d want to create a mix of good vibes, amazing food, and unique spots that showcase the city’s charm.

We’d start our mornings with coffee at A 2nd Cup, a great spot that not only serves delicious coffee but also supports the fight against human trafficking. For a nice brunch or lunch, Barnaby’s Café is a must-visit. It’s a local favorite with multiple locations, and I love their eclectic menu of sandwiches, salads, and buffalo burgers. Their original spot in Montrose is cozy and dog-friendly, perfect for a laid-back meal  .

For tacos, I’d definitely take them to Bodega Tacos, which serves up some of the most flavorful tacos in the area. Their dishes are casual but packed with vibrant flavors that hit the spot. For a unique Houston experience, we’d also stop by Henderson & Kane for mouthwatering BBQ and to explore their market filled with local products from small businesses, a real hidden gem.

In the evenings, we’d hit up The Flat Patio Bar for some dancing. This spot transforms into a lively space with vinyl-spinning guest DJs and live music, making it a great place to unwind have some frozen mojitos and dance the night away.

Mixing in some sightseeing, we’d visit popular spots like the Museum District, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Post Houston, which has a cool rooftop park with amazing views of the city and a food hall that offers a little bit of everything. The week would be all about a blend of great food, good music, and local culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely have to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend Jamie. She’s been by my side through some of the toughest times, and there have been so many moments where I thought about quitting or was really hard on myself. Every time, Jamie finds a way to cheer me up and remind me of the positives. She sees the best in me, even when I can’t, and has often been the fuel that keeps me going. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her constant support and encouragement.

Website: https://www.barchefshouston.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barchefshouston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barchefshouston

Image Credits
Regal B Photos
Sonya Alexandra
Jessica Lynn
AH Studios