Influential Woman · Restaurant Management | Hospitality Operations
Lourdes Espino
General Manager, Habit Burger & Grill
San Jose, CA 95124
Her Story
About Lourdes
Lourdes Espino is a seasoned General Manager in the restaurant and hospitality industry with nearly two decades of experience leading operations in casual dining environments. She is currently responsible for overseeing daily restaurant operations, including staff hiring, training, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with company standards. Her leadership focuses on maintaining strong operational performance while delivering a positive and consistent guest experience.
Throughout her career, Lourdes has held multiple management roles, including positions at Wendy’s and Jafra Cosmetics International, where she developed strong expertise in sales strategy, customer relationship management, and team development. She has managed diverse teams and worked across various operational environments, building a reputation for reliability, strong work ethic, and effective people management. Her experience also includes mentoring staff and fostering professional growth within her teams.
Lourdes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Mission College and has continued to build her leadership capabilities through hands-on experience and personal development. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, she brings strong communication skills to her role. She is widely recognized for her dedication to mentorship, resilience as a single mother, and commitment to continuous self-improvement, which she integrates into both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lourdes
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic I learned from my father and the encouragement I received from my mother, even in difficult circumstances. I also credit mentors who believed in me early in my career, as well as my personal growth journey after COVID, which helped me better understand myself and connect more authentically with others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women is to believe in themselves and prepare thoroughly before stepping into the industry. Learn the necessary skills, including communication and job competencies, use available tools and resources, and never settle for less than you deserve. It is important to show up as a leader, even when facing challenges, especially in male-dominated environments.
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