Tacos Lead to an Aspiring Empire

By FIU Business Now Staff

Derek Gonzalez (BBA '15), owner of a suite of restaurants, showcases the power of unconventional thinking. His journey to success began even before attending business school, proving that sometimes taking a unique path can lead to success.

At 21, he ventured into the corporate world, relocating to Miami from his birthplace in South Carolina. He excelled in sales and marketing at a construction company, followed by a rewarding position in wealth management. During this time, Gonzalez also earned his BBA degree in finance from FIU Business. "It gave substance to the work I was already doing, providing me with a solid foundation and enhancing my pragmatic thinking," he said.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez and his wife, Lisa, recognized a gap in Miami's dining scene: the lack of exceptional tacos. Although the restaurant industry posed risks, Gonzalez was motivated by the memory of his aunt and the desire to honor her legacy.

"[Earning my business degree] gave substance to the work I was already doing, providing me with a solid foundation and enhancing my pragmatic thinking."

– Derek Gonzalez

Gonzalez's roots are deeply connected to Mexico, where he spent the majority of his early childhood. He formed a special bond with Pilo, the youngest of his mother's nine siblings, who had Down syndrome. "She was my pillar and foundation from the day I was born," Gonzalez said. "She has always been my guardian angel."

To honor her, he named his restaurant Pilo's. His background in food service, which included roles as a busboy, bartender and hibachi chef, prepared him well. Pilo's Street Tacos opened in 2017 and his brand, Goat Hospitality Group, now boasts seven business ventures, including Pilo's Tequila Garden in Wynwood and the soon-to-launch Mia Steakhouse & Lounge by Akira Back. Committed to inclusivity, the company hires and trains differently abled individuals, and Gonzalez aspires to become the nation's largest employer of people with conditions like his aunt's. Before COVID-19, such individuals made up about 30% of the Goat workforce and the company is working to reach that level again. "I want this to be the DNA throughout Pilo's," he said.

Beyond altruism, Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of quality and authenticity in the food business. Drawing inspiration from Mexico's vibrant street-food culture and consulting with top chefs, he believes the key to a great taco is the quality of the tortilla and the depth of the sauce. Today, celebrities and athletes frequent Pilo's Tequila Garden, further elevating its profile.

Gonzalez enjoys being actively involved in his restaurants, engaging with patrons, connecting with employees and having conversations rare in the corporate world. He was recognized in the 2024 Forbes 40 Under 40 list in the entrepreneurship sector.