The DLA is all about getting to know you: the residents, workers and business owners who are shaping the character of Downtown life. Watch for our Faces of Raleigh blog posts to share a glimpse of whom we’re meeting. We appreciate the following interview provided by our DLA members, Ryan Craig and Julie Johnson Babb. Ryan and Julie recently interviewed Hector Ibarra of Jibarra Modern Mexican and Tequila Lounge.
Ryan: What are your impressions of Downtown Raleigh?
Hector: I moved my business from North Raleigh to Downtown because people come to Downtown Raleigh for something different – a locally owned experience. My partners and I saw the momentum building in Downtown and wanted to be a part of it. Even though the economy is slowing growth down, we’re still really excited about the momentum that continues to build Downtown.
Ryan: It seems Downtown Raleigh has adapted to the economy better than other cities nationally. Do you get the same feeling?
Hector: Higher end businesses have definitely been hurt. They used to be a white tablecloth dining establishment but when they moved downtown, they wanted to recreate their image. They wanted it to be a lot more casual and fun. We had so much fun designing and decorating the restaurant. We are young and feel comfortable attracting that audience.
Ryan: Explain your restaurant.
Hector: We like to introduce our guests to new things in taste, sight and environment. I am proud of my Mexican heritage and want people to see a different side to Mexican food. Our wines focus on South American and Spanish wines and our Mexican tequila is the best selection in all of Raleigh. Did you know tequila is supposed to be sipped room temperature and chased with a pallet cleansing drink – not salt and lime? We put a large focus on attention to detail and encourage our staff to teach our customers about real Mexican traditions.
Hector IbarraRyan: It seems like your restaurant is not just a financial venture to you.
Hector: Absolutely not. One works so many hours in the restaurant business that there must be a lot of love and passion behind what you are doing.
Ryan: Is there any specific direction you’d like to see in Downtown development?
Hector: There are a lot of dining establishments and museums in Downtown, but still plenty of holes to fill in with retail. Downtown needs more public art and more activities in order to be better rounded.
Ryan: Are you looking forward to the transportation project that is proposed right outside your front door?
Hector: More traffic would be appreciated if the train project happens. I’d like to see more people walking by. We already get a decent amount of traffic from the train station.
Hector: One more thing on the aspect of living in Downtown…I’ve got a lot of friends who would like to live Downtown but because of the cost, it’s not an option. I wish there were more rental properties and more affordable places to live. I believe that would create a much more interesting group of residents, instead of just high-end.
[The DLA will soon be releasing a blog post that describes the increasing number of options for more affordable and different styles of housing, focused on the redevelopment of smaller single family homes to the east of Moore Square.]
Ryan: What has been the best thing for your restaurant since you moved to Downtown?
Hector: I really feel at home here in Downtown. Our beloved restaurant has finally found its home.
This would have been better with a portrait of Hector.
Added Hector’s photo. You’re right Kurt, "Faces of Raleigh . . ." needed a face.