Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

My name is Christian Armando Guillén and I was born in Lima, Peru. I moved to the U.S at the age of 15 and still live in the city that adopted me, Dallas.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

Dallas and Texas in general holds its own unique and determined personality. It is a place of constant growth and investment. This fact is a vibe and a contagious one. I personally see Texas as a land of emotional roots for its history as well as a stage for concepts.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

My older brother and business partner, Daniel and I founded our company in 2015 called El Cantinero (The Barman). It unintentionally started as a consulting company that focused in the industry of Hospitality through bars and restaurants. Very organically, people started seeing our accomplishments and it gave birth to the shaping of our brand. In 2020, we very intentionally launched a line of super premium handcrafted cocktail mixers. We thought it was only fair if we gave people the opportunity to taste culture from our continent in the own bars or houses. How does it help our customers? We created the highest quality cocktail mixers for everyone who wants to make a cocktail. Only natural ingredients and great taste. NO BULLSHIT.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

"Thank you for finally creating something worth drinking"

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

Surround yourself with people that are ahead of you and can mentor you emotionally and logistically. It will be a bumpy road. Discipline yourself in the day to day aspects of your life so it showcases in your business.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In people's home bars, in e-commerce platforms, in disputes where distributors fight over their allocation, in art driven gallas accompanied with the big dogs like Bacardi and Campari. But also, employing people who celebrate our DNA and vision and growing together as a true team. Growth tastes better when actions pair de dream collectively.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

People understanding how incredibly challenging it is to stand out in the food and beverage world. The competition is at its peak as it's ever been. So just because you can create something that tastes good, doesnt mean it will happen quick.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

Scaling while being your own investor. The entire thing is a gamble and it's even riskier when you don't have the financial stability to help you sleep better at night. But YOLO, right?

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

The whole genre of Rock n Roll is by far the most impactful in my opinion. Queen, Scorpions, Guns n Roses, Led Zeppelin, etc. Athlete? MARADONA and Ronaldinho

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Shoutout to my business partner Daniel for not ever giving up on our mission. Also, my good friend Pablo Antinori who is a co founder of Socorro Tequila. The determination and synergy of both of our companies was almost like it was hand picked.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

www.elcantinero.net IG: cantineando / xtianbarmando