Alejandra M.

Alejandra is from Puebla, Mexico. She pursued a career in sales before moving to the United States and transitioning to the hospitality industry. In 2021, Alejandra joined the team at Eataly LA as a Prep Cook. Over the years, she has worked in various departments in the store and has grown her skills tremendously.

Currently, Alejandra helps with running Central Kitchen, and thus all of Eataly’s culinary operations, as smoothly as possible. She is involved with inventory and ordering, preparation lists, and family meal. When Eataly LA ran an offsite restaurant where the Amerigo Vespucci ship was docked, Alejandra’s efforts were critical to ensuring all the right ingredients arrived at the venue.

Dedicated to achieving the best results possible, Alejandra is a leader on her team. She supports them with training, tastes our food to ensure its quality, and is attentive to food waste. Through her hard work, she inspires her fellow Eatalians.

In your own words, what is your job at Eataly?
“Right now, my job is to help my chef organize all the inventory for the restaurants and coordinate with my coworkers who come in every day to make sure we fill all the orders the restaurants send us. Sometimes, I help with placing orders. I handle the preparation lists and support my teammates”

What have you learned while working here at Eataly?
“I’ve learned so much – from handling a knife, to many foods and herbs that I had never heard of or tasted in my life. I’ve also learned about cutting meat, using ovens, the temperatures the meats need to be at, the different types of oils we have. I’ve learned a lot, even a little bit of English.”

What is your favorite memory from your time at Eataly so far?
“I remember the first times I worked at La Pizza & La Pasta. At first, when I saw the line of people that went all the way outside the restaurant, I was scared. But my teammates would have the best attitude and say, ‘Don’t worry, just make one salad at a time.’ Then, before we knew it, the whole restaurant would be full, and everything would stop because people were just eating. That moment, watching all the people in the restaurant, was amazing. I thought to myself, ‘I filled all those tables with salads.’ It was so nice.”

Have you tried any new foods while working here?
“Yes! I’m responsible for tasting everything that goes on sale. I’ve tried many things, even if I was hesitant at first with items like strong smelling cheeses and bitter lettuces. I’ve had people tell me, ‘Try it!’ And in the end, once the dish is finished, it tastes good.”

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I remember wanting to be a nurse because I’ve always liked to help people.”

Who or what inspires you?
“My children are my main motivation. I want them to see that their mom is doing something great. Also I love the satisfaction of finishing a work day, knowing I don’t owe anything to anyone, and no one owes me.”

Outside of Eataly, what do you enjoy doing?
“I enjoy spending time with my two kids. We love watching movies together.”