In our February issue, we bring you the beautiful story of Omar & Dulce Lugo and the Power of Love.
As children born in Mexico, Omar and Dulce Lugo couldn’t have imagined the dreams that would later come true for them in the United States: first, becoming high school sweethearts destined to share love, and then embarking on an entrepreneurial journey that is a shining example of the American Dream. Omar arrived in Dalton, Georgia at seven years old, where his parents found work at a carpet manufacturing plant. “Dulce’s mother worked in the same industry. When Dulce and I met, she was working at a kiosk in the mall. I was 17 and she was 15.” “It was love at first sight,” recalls Dulce. “I was young, but I knew he stood out. He looked good and had a way about him. He even smelled good,” she laughs. “I wouldn’t give my number to any other boys but him. I look back and see we didn’t have a clue. But we’ve been together 15 years and grown a family and business together. It’s been very challenging, but it was meant to be.”
Trust, Support and a Shared Vision
Omar’s feelings are mutual. “I was drawn to her sweet personality. Do you know that Dulce means sweet?” asks Omar. “She was very young, but mature and already working to help pay family bills – always thinking of others. We’re from different regions in Mexico, so she learned my mother’s recipes so I’d always feel at home. We experienced a lot together, and she always trusted me totally. She’s still that person. She supports me, always positive and sharing my vision. I love her for all of that.”Omar got a hint of his future during his first job as a bank teller. There, he was a liaison to Hispanic small business owners and found inspiration in them. The young couple valued education but chose to abandon their pursuit of college when Dulce became pregnant. When family in Louisiana offered Omar a restaurant job, he set south on his own. Six months later Dulce joined him. A year later, the couple reunited with their daughter, Victoria, who their parents kept for a time.
Starting From Scratch
Dulce remembers what seemed like another life. “We started with nothing, so we needed roommates. Omar was a server for five years. I started as bartender and became assistant manager. We both enjoyed the business and worked hard towards owning our own.” As dedicated as they were, that dream seemed impossible with the expenses of a young family and no credit for a starter loan. Whether fate, luck, hard work or faith, the Lugos found a benefactor in unlikely circumstances. Omar humbly explains, “He wasn’t even family. When he needed advice on his own restaurant, I helped asking nothing in return. He recognized our talent and drive and believed in our potential. Once he could, he loaned us money that a bank never would. We owe him so much. I paid him back after the first year plus extra for gratitude.”
Opening Habanero’s – A Dream Come True
Omar and Dulce Lugo opened their first Habanero’s location in August of 2014 with very little money for payroll and their four-year-old daughter tucked away in the office. The couple cross talks as they relive the challenges. “It was hard… nerve-racking. We were excited and scared, but this was our dream… some days we hardly had any customers. We didn’t have a single day off until Thanksgiving… we did most of the jobs ourselves. But we couldn’t have done it without our talented food master, Chef Oscar Rodriguez, who has been with us since day one!”
As they describe the journey, you can see their excitement and hear their fear. But most importantly, they both express determination to make it as a team. True to Omar’s words, Dulce says she was all in. “I believe in him. I said, ‘We got this. We can do it.’ He is the visionary, and I’m excited to go for it with him.” Omar adds, “Even though work is challenging, our marriage is still strong because we’ve developed different areas of expertise. She handles daily operations beautifully, so I’m free to work on growth. I’m always thinking about evolving the brand with new menu items and cocktails, or a new location. I make plans, and she makes it happen.”
Everything Happens for a Reason
The Lugos didn’t experience success without setbacks. A second Habanero’s location in New Orleans struggled for a year before closing. Another in Shreveport closed due to the distance and Covid. Now, with two additional thriving Habanero’s locations in West St. Tammany and another planned for Slidell, Omar sees value in those experiences. “Everything happens for a reason. We learn from it. Our initial success was based on delivering a more elevated take than just tacos and margaritas in terms of food quality, presentation, atmosphere and customer service. We’ve focused on strengths and built an expert team so that everything is done right. We’re personally there so customers can feel the love. I work to stay motivated and make each location unique to itself, always improving towards an atmosphere of ‘the’ place to be.”
Happy Times with Family
Now, Dulce picks up Victoria from volleyball practice with a little brother in tow. “I worked until my due date and went into labor that night. I stayed home with Gianni, and it was hard not seeing Omar much until he started preschool. We’re proud to have made a better life for our kids, but they also work for what they have. Victoria does chores at home and helps at the restaurants.” The days of nonstop work and money worries have changed also. Their devotion to each other and determination through difficult years have paid off and both agree that their relationship is at the heart of their happiness. “As long as the family is happy, we have everything,” says Omar. “We plan to grow our business, but I won’t choose ambition over my family. There are still challenges but we’re in a wonderful place.” Dulce’s demeanor relaxes as she tells of their current chapter and the accomplishments and joy of her life today. “We have a date night once a week, and we even travel frequently. We’re always looking to bring home ideas for the restaurants, but there’s time for shopping, fun, and enjoying life.”
Together No Matter What
The Lugos are also bringing their heritage full circle while sharing it with their children. Of their many trips back to Mexico, Omar says, “We want to keep up with their different and exciting trends in cooking and presentation to remain authentically modern. Also, we want our children to know where they came from.” When back home, as servers deliver exotic drinks and plates steaming with delicious aromas against Habanero’s colorful, contemporary backdrop and lively chatter, Omar still stylishly stands out. And with Dulce by his side, we see that the teens with nothing but each other have transformed into a local power couple at the top of their game, enthusiastically accepted by their community. Dulce muses, “I genuinely admire him, and he inspires me to be better. Going through so much has made us stronger. He’s a great father and makes sure I know he loves me. He brings me flowers, leaves me notes on the mirror, and we talk about growing old together. I know he’ll always do the best for our family, so I’ll always be there beside him, no matter what life brings.”
Habanero’s Restaurants are located at 1331 N. Highway 190 in Covington, 985-871-8760, 69305 Highway 21, Suite 600 in Covington, 985-900-2124 | 1938 Highway 22 in Madisonville, 985-206-9950. For more information, visit habaneroscuisine.com.
