Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariajose Cervantes.
Mariajose, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, where hospitality, food, family, and tradition were simply a way of life. Those early experiences shaped the way I see restaurants—not just as places to eat, but as spaces where people feel at home, celebrate, connect, and create memories.
In 2016, I moved to Fort Worth, Texas, bringing with me a deep appreciation for Mexican culture and a passion for storytelling.
My professional journey began in photography. I specialized in real estate photography, working with clients in Guadalajara and the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Behind the camera, I discovered how powerful visual storytelling could be and how every image has the ability to communicate emotion, identity, and purpose.
That passion naturally led me into social media marketing. I joined Visit Fort Worth, where I managed the organization’s Spanish-language social media platforms, helping promote the city and connecting with the Hispanic community through digital storytelling. During that time, I also worked with the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, managing social media for Cafe Modern (inside the museum ) and the Kimbell Art Museum as an external translator for press releases and editorial content, helping make the museum’s exhibitions and programs more accessible to Spanish-speaking audiences.
As my career evolved, I found my true calling in hospitality marketing, where I could combine creativity, branding, photography, and guest experience. Every project became an opportunity to tell a story and build meaningful connections.
As Marketing Manager at Don Artemio in Fort Worth, I helped shape the restaurant’s visual identity, marketing campaigns, photography, community partnerships, and overall brand presence, allowing me to share the richness of Mexican culture while contributing to a restaurant that earned national recognition.
Today, I am a founding partner of Burciaga Hospitality Group, where I lead marketing, branding, creative direction, photography, and communications for our restaurant concepts, including Tinies and Almacén El Gallo.
One of the projects closest to my heart has been creating the concept and storytelling behind Almacén El Gallo. From its inspiration in the traditional fondas, mercados, and cantinas of Mexico to the colors, textures, music, menus, artwork, and every visual detail, my goal has been to create a brand that feels nostalgic yet contemporary. Every element was carefully designed to honor the memories and traditions I grew up with while inviting guests to experience the warmth, authenticity, and vibrant culture of Mexico in the heart of Fort Worth.
Everything I create is rooted in authenticity. Whether it’s a photograph, a marketing campaign, a menu, or a social media post, my goal is always the same—to tell stories that inspire people to connect. I believe hospitality begins long before a guest sits at a table; it begins with the feeling a brand creates and the story it has to tell.
Looking back, my journey from Guadalajara to Fort Worth has been guided by curiosity, creativity, and a love for sharing my culture. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to continue building brands and experiences that celebrate Mexico’s traditions while creating places where everyone feels welcome.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving to a new country came with its share of challenges. I was raising four children while building my career, trying to find the right balance between being present for my family and pursuing my professional goals. Starting over in a new city meant adapting to a different culture, learning the language, building a network from scratch, and proving myself in a completely new environment.
There were moments of uncertainty, but I never lost sight of my passion. My love for creativity, storytelling, and hospitality gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. Instead of focusing on the obstacles, I chose to see opportunities. Every challenge became a chance to learn, grow, and build something meaningful.
Looking back, I realize that those experiences not only made me stronger, but also shaped the way I lead today—with empathy, resilience, and gratitude. They remind me that with determination, passion, and hard work, it’s possible to build a new home, a fulfilling career, and a life filled with purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in creating brands with purpose and telling stories that connect people through hospitality. My work brings together marketing, branding, photography, social media, and guest experience to create concepts that feel authentic and memorable. I love taking an idea from the very beginning and helping shape every detail—from the story behind the brand to the visual identity, the guest experience, and the way people connect with it.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating the concept and storytelling behind Almacén El Gallo, a restaurant inspired by the fondas, mercados, and cantinas of Mexico. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to celebrate the culture and traditions I grew up with while creating a meaningful experience for our guests.
But beyond my professional accomplishments, what I am most proud of is the partnership I share with my husband, Adrian Burciaga. Together, we’ve built an incredible team—not only in business but also at home while raising our four children. We have always supported one another, challenged each other to grow, and shared the same vision of creating meaningful hospitality experiences.
When we moved to Fort Worth, Adrian Burciaga introduced me to an amazing community that welcomed us with open arms. Through his relationships and our shared commitment to giving back, I found opportunities to connect with people, collaborate, and grow both personally and professionally. Those relationships have become one of the greatest gifts of our journey.
Today, together with Adrian Burciaga and our business partner, Martín Quirarte, we continue building Burciaga Hospitality Group, creating restaurants that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture through authentic hospitality, thoughtful storytelling, and memorable guest experiences.
I believe what sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with authenticity. I don’t just market restaurants—I build stories that people can feel. I believe every brand should have a soul, every detail should have a purpose, and every guest should leave with a memory they’ll want to relive.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that success is never built alone. It comes from surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and share your values. My family, my husband Adrian Burciaga, and the Fort Worth community have all been an important part of my journey.
I’ve also learned that every challenge carries an opportunity. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, raising four children while building a career, and starting over taught me resilience, patience, and gratitude. Those experiences shaped not only the professional I am today, but the person I strive to be.
One of the greatest blessings has been watching our four children grow into independent young adults, each choosing their own path and making their own decisions. Seeing them pursue their dreams with confidence has reminded me that, as parents, our greatest role is not to choose the direction for our children, but to support them, encourage them, and trust them to build lives that are meaningful to them. Their journeys inspire me every day.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to stay true to who I am. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style. When you lead with passion, kindness, and purpose, people connect with your story. That’s the foundation of meaningful hospitality—and it’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
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