Margarita Alvarez Flores is the owner of LOCAL Kitchen and Coffee Shop in Glenwood Springs and French Pastry Café in Aspen. Originally from Querétaro, Mexico, she has lived in the Valley for 17 years, building a path marked by effort, consistency and a passion for cooking.
Tell us a little about your journey.
I came from Mexico without speaking English, just “hi” and “bye,” and I spent months working in housecleaning, hotels or temporary jobs until I discovered French Pastry. I started as a dishwasher, and after 11 years learning the kitchen and the line, the opportunity to buy the shop came up when my employers decided to sell it. I took the chance, and today I run this small French bakery that has allowed me to fulfill a dream that began with a lot of struggle and learning.
Alvarez has been at the helm of French Pastry for nine years, continuing the legacy of the previous owner, Franck Thirion, with whom she maintains a close relationship. “I’ve always been grateful to him,” she said, “because he has never left me on my own. He wants the place to keep going.” She has also owned MK Exclusive Café for five years and, finally, it’s been four years since she opened LOCAL in Glenwood Springs.
On long days, what keeps you motivated?
The desire to make things work. There are hard, very busy days, but in the end, when we balance one thing against another, we see whether it will be worth it. And yes, it’s worth it.
What makes LOCAL different?
We have a big and varied menu. Today I can have a salad and come back on Saturday for tacos or a burger. Plus, the place is pleasant and people enjoy it.
What core values guide your businesses?
I always make sure my employees maintain the flavor of the food and the customer service. This is our livelihood, and we have to offer the best service: be kind, maintain quality. I love cooking, making my desserts. Sometimes I’m stressed or tired, but I’ll happily go make bread.
Alvarez shared that one of the greatest gifts of her work is the comments from her customers. “When they come up to the counter after eating and congratulate us, that motivates me, and it also allows me to motivate my employees.”
What advice would you give someone who dreams of having
their own business?
Lose the fear. Sometimes, because of fear, we stop trying. When I started, I didn’t speak English well and I didn’t know how to make coffee drinks, but the important thing is not to throw in the towel. When you truly want something, everything starts to flow and fall into place. I never imagined having a restaurant here, but wishing for it with all my heart and not giving up made it happen.
LOCAL Kitchen is located at 722 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs. To visit French Pastry Café, head to 111 Aspen Airport Business Center G, Aspen.