Leading by Example: Griselda Barajas
Griselda Barajas’ plate is full. Very full! A single-mother with four children, she owns and operates Griselda’s Catering, has served and serves on many boards including the California Restaurant Association, Cristo Rey High School and Metro and Sacramento Hispanic chambers of commerce, volunteers throughout the community, and is Stockton Boulevard Partnership’s new Board Chair.
In 1992, Griselda moved from Houston to Sacramento to be closer to her family. She opened Texas Mexican at 8th and K streets in 1993 to rave reviews. In 2007, she took over the Capitol’s primary lower level concession known as Griselda’s World Café (now closed). It’s interesting to note that Griselda had no previous culinary experience. She attributes the success of her restaurants and catering to the entrepreneurial spirit that was instilled in her as a young girl.
“I wanted some balance in my life,” says Griselda. “Catering is flexible and allows for quality family time. And it’s more creative – – allowing me to explore outside a set menu. This is something that’s really personal. Food is a reflection of the host, whether it’s in a corporate environment or someone’s home.” Twenty-five years later Griselda has developed strong relationships with a long list of loyal clients. Improvements and affordability along the Boulevard attracted Griselda’s Catering to its new site at 3751 Stockton Boulevard in July 2017. “For me, I can see the changes and potential. The community is working to make a better future for the city. It takes all of us working together—it’s just better for everyone.”
When approached about serving on the Partnership board, she knew it was doable and important to know what’s going in the neighborhood. For Griselda it’s about empowering and being honest about joys and struggles and bringing everyone together. “When you have that with community you have connection. How can I not be part of Stockton Boulevard? It’s part of my connection.”