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Elizabeth "Lisa" Wong, Founder & COO

Recognitions

2002 Business Award
from Donald N. Langston, the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency on a local, regional and national level

2001 Reader’s Choice Awards
for “Best Mexican Restaurant,”
“Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Guests,” “Best Enchiladas,” and “Best Salsa”

2000 Recognized by Hispanic
Magazine as one of the top 100
fastest-growing business
professionals in the country

2000 Critics’ Choice Awards
“Best Mexican Restaurant,”
San Antonio Express-News

1999 Express-News
Community Advisory Board

1998-2000 First Place
“Salsa Showdown,”
San Antonio Current

1996 “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, Ernst & Young, Small Business

A native of San Antonio with a rich cultural background of Chinese and Mexican decent. Born to Isabel Sanchez and Samuel Wong, Lisa embraced the best of both cultures inheriting Grandpa Wong’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a restaurateur himself, he prepared the finest Chinese and American food in the kitchen of Sung Lee Café while her abuelita “Mama” Luisa prepared incredible Mexican food in her kitchen for the family every Sunday afternoon. The memories created in these two kitchens from two distinct cultures created one visionary, Lisa Wong, whose character and drive were formed at an early age and have been the cornerstones to building a successful 23-year career as a leading restaurateur in San Antonio.
Her career highlights include:

• 1981 – Establishment of Lisa’s Mexican Restaurant at age 17
• 1992 – Purchase and re-establishment of Rosario’s location
• 1997 – City of San Antonio concession contract with Alamodome
• 1999 – Relocation of Rosario’s to the 10,000 square foot S. Alamo location to meet consumer demand
• 2002 – Sale of Rey Willie’s to establish partnership with the Hu family to open China Latina
• 2002 – Established partnership with Host Marriott Corporation to open Rosario’s Cantina in San Antonio International Airport

Her commitment to her community where her restaurants reside has also played a significant role in the revitalization of the King William neighborhood. These stepping-stones have paved the way to the banks of San Antonio’s Riverwalk. Lisa’s newest, most aggressive and exciting venture to date will unfold in the Spring of 2004 into one of the largest restaurants on San Antonio’s River with a seating capacity of 275, patrons will relish the ambiance, aromas and authentic Mexican food that permeates from the heart and soul of her Latina heritage and culture.

“ÁCENAR is a dream come true. As a child I would come downtown with my family and loved the Riverwalk…never did I think that I would have an opportunity to partner with Bruce Auden to own a piece of it!” The piece of the Riverwalk appropriately named ÁCENAR (to have dinner…to eat) is located at 146 E. Houston adjacent to the Hotel Valencia. The multi-level restaurant features floor, balcony and private party seating, as well as a stand alone bar “Átomar” (to drink). The interior and exterior reflect colors and designs with Mexican cues like molcajete walls and milagro ceilings.

ÁCENAR…where palates meet Pizzazz…where ambiance and aromas abound…where Lisa Wong has utilized her Asian drive and committed her Latin heart to giving San Antonio yet another wonderful dining experience that would have made abuelito Wong and mama Sanchez very proud!

ÁCENAR…inspired by passion…driven by quality service and extraordinary modern Mexican food.

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