Antonio Mendes came to Orlando in 2017 from Venezuela, bringing with him a deep love for cooking and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Back home, he ran a successful window and glass installation business, one that his sons now manage. When he arrived in the U.S., Antonio continued working in construction, but his passion for food never faded. A close friend introduced him to Kres Chophouse and encouraged him to pursue something he had always loved.

Now five years into his journey at Kres, Antonio plays a key role in the kitchen as the pantry trainer, helping onboard and guide new team members. Although he had never worked in a restaurant before, his roots in the kitchen date back to his childhood. He finds joy in preparing dishes with ingredients that remind him of home, like salmon, duck, and pasta. For Antonio, every plate is made with love and dedication, and he takes pride in never having a dish sent back. The trust and respect he feels from both coworkers and management have made Kres more than a job; it’s a second home.

One of Antonio’s proudest moments came when his son, a culinary arts graduate from Venezuela, had a chance to work at Kres alongside him. That opportunity helped shape his son’s career and inspired him to open his own restaurant in Panama. Modeled after the organization and values he learned while working. For Antonio, that’s the true heart of Kres: a place where people support each other, grow together, and pass along what they’ve learned to others.