West Plains, MO, October 15, 2024 – The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) announced today that Nacho’s Restaurant has been named the 2024 Youth Employer of the Year. The organization will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the 25th Annual NAWDP Youth Symposium on November 18 in Phoenix, AZ.
Since 2019, Nacho’s Restaurant, located in San Angelo, Texas, has partnered with the Concho Valley Workforce Board to enhance the development of local youth, focusing on vital skills such as communication, teamwork, and social interaction. This partnership has successfully prepared many students for the workforce, with some being hired and retained by Nacho’s Restaurant, demonstrating their commitment to youth employment. Under the leadership of Mr. Simon Rincon, the restaurant has excelled in creating meaningful job experiences by teaching interview techniques, clearly communicating expectations, and accommodating diverse student needs.
“The Employer of the Year award celebrates a private-sector employer or consortium that engages with local workforce partners, creating a meaningful impact in the lives of youth in their community, workforce, and other businesses,” said Melissa Robbins, NAWDP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Simon’s dedication to giving back to his community by employing youth and giving them workforce experience is making a difference in the lives of youth in his community.”
Simon Rincon, raised in Mertzon, Texas, has embodied the spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship from a young age. His journey began working alongside his father as a cattleman, and later through various roles in the food industry, from dishwasher to baker. However, at 16 years old, while working at Mejor Que Nada, Simon’s passion for the culinary arts truly ignited. Demonstrating dedication and drive, he advanced from a dishwasher to general manager. At just 21, Simon took a bold step, opening Nacho’s Restaurant Cantina & Grill, achieving his lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
Beyond his business success, Simon is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has dedicated significant time to mentoring special needs youth, providing them with opportunities to gain valuable work experience in the restaurant industry while also developing critical life skills. His restaurant has been a steadfast partner of the Concho Valley Workforce Solutions Summer Earn and Learn program since 2019, helping prepare 15 students for life after high school, with three being hired and retained by his restaurant.
Rincon cites his strong family values, built on respect, honor, and faith, as guiding forces in his life. Additionally, he said his personal faith in God and the support from his community have driven him to not only strive for excellence in his craft but also to invest in the future of the young individuals he mentors.
