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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Javier Chavez arrived in Ogden from Mexico as a young Weber State University recruit for the track and field team. He spoke no English, had never been in snow and didn't know anyone in the community.
His family hoped the experience in America would prepare him for a career as an engineer, and he had dreams of becoming a major league baseball player. Well, he never became an engineer or a ball player but has become one of Weber County's most popular restaurateurs and a visible, popular community citizen.
Javier's Authentic Mexican Food is located at four locations in the Ogden area. His initial facility started at 205 West 29th Street. The great success of the restaurant prompted new locations in Harrisville, North Washington Boulevard and Harrison near the university.
Javier worked in local restaurants while studying computer science at Weber. After graduating, Javier decided he really wanted to be a business owner.
Javier's wife, Amada, was supportive and very helpful as the fledgling business got started. Javier Junior started helping out at the age of 11. Today, he is 24 and finishing law school at Boston College. Another son, Manuel Antonio, started in the restaurant at age nine and is now finishing work on his degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. (The family dream of having an engineer is about to be realized.) Daughter Amada is a student at Weber and is still helping at Javier's. It really is a family business.
Providing great food is not the only accomplishment of this fine man. He is the track and field coach at St. Joseph's High School and has led his team to the State Championship for five consecutive years. The Chamber of Commerce, the Standard Examiner and Weber State have honored him for his great accomplishments.
That young, determined student of many years ago is now a true, outstanding business leader.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred ball. I'm speaking on business.
