Carlos Salinas has worked in restaurants since he was 13, starting at his grandfather's hotels. His Ay Chiwawa Mexican Café began in Austin in 1999 and now has locations in Spring Branch and San Antonio. Carlos talks about a lifetime of hard work and hands-on ownership, and about what keeps customers coming back.

Arsenio and Maria Rodriguez, the husband-and-wife team behind La Patrona. Maria runs the front of house while Arsenio commands the kitchen, and together they've built La Patrona into a place that feels like home — the kind of restaurant where the food carries the weight of family tradition and every plate tells you something about where they come from. We're excited to get into their story, what La Patrona means to them, and what's cooking next.

In this episode, Alan and Susie sit down with Aaron Startz, owner of Startz Cattle Company — the largest Wagyu ranch in Texas. Wagyu beef has a reputation for being some of the best in the world, but what actually goes into it? Aaron walks us through what sets Wagyu apart, from genetics to feed to the years of patient care it takes to raise these cattle, and why that process translates into the marbling and flavor Wagyu is known for. Whether you're a steak lover, a fellow restaurant owner, or just curious about where great beef comes from, this conversation is worth the listen.