Mario Ponce
Owner, Takito Brands

Mario has over 25 years of proven restaurant experience, as well as the author of the acclaimed book Waiting on America (4 editions). Mario spearheads the Takito Brands concept with Takito Kitchen (2012), Bar Takito (2014) & Takito Street (2020). He also co-founded two concepts in Dock Hoppers of Wisconsin (2014) and Furious Spoon (2015).  Moreover, he’s consulted with over 200 full-service restaurants.

He's the perfect person to approach with questions on start-up, or operational issues.  His favorite topics are location prospecting, leadership, talent searching and profitability.

Mario has proven experience with national power hitters such as Hard Rock International, TGI Fridays and Planet Hollywood, and local classics in Rosebud Restaurants & the Park Grill at Millennium Park.  He is a graduate (and alumni award winner) with a BSBA in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida (1990) in Orlando, Florida.