Meet Stephen Bengford, Co-Owner at Tu Familia Mexican Restaurant (facebook.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – Tu Familia is a family-owned restaurant with an authentic flavor of Mexican cuisine, where every little bite is full of flavor.

How did you get started in the business? – I started in the restaurant industry at 16 years old working for Applebee’s, so I have always been in the restaurant industry. How I became Co-Owner of Tu Familia is because of my best friend, Javier. He gave me the opportunity to partner with him, and how could I resist owning a restaurant with my best friend?

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge I face is the language barrier between English and Spanish.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Opening Tu Familia and being involved in the process of opening and co-owning it with my best friend.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have two brothers and a sister. One of my brothers is in Colorado, and my other brother is with my sister and mom in Sioux City.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?– When I got married in 2016.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to be outdoors, hiking, biking, hanging with my dog, etc. Anything outside and I am all over it.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love dancing, any and all dancing. I have even taken a tap class before.

Who inspires you? – My mom and dad.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Shit happens.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Nice.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Make everyone happy.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Carpentry. I like to make and repurpose old furniture.

Which talent would you most like to have? – To be able to sing and be good at it.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A nurse.

What is your favorite movie? – Any Adam Sandler movies, but Big Daddy is my favorite.

What is your favorite TV show? – Friends.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Obviously Tu Familia, but besides my own restaurant, I like going downtown and trying something new.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? –  (531) 999-1238 | @Tu Familia Mexican Restaurant on Facebook