Welcome to the Familia: Introducing Our Director of Restaurant Operations, Julio “Jules” Martinez

At Chula’s Mexican-Latin Food & Spirits, our story is built on heart, heritage, and the people who bring our vision to life every single day. Today, we’re incredibly proud to introduce someone who embodies all of that and more, our new Director of Restaurant Operations, Julio “Jules” Martinez.

Jules with his daughters, Mylah and Sianna.

From Mexico City to Minnesota: A Story of Determination

Jules was born in Mexico City, Mexico, where his roots in culture, family, and food run deep. At just 17 years old, he made the life-changing decision to move to Minneapolis, Minnesota, carrying big dreams and even bigger determination. Like many immigrant stories, the beginning wasn’t easy. Jules didn’t speak the language and had to learn quickly how to navigate an entirely new world.

His first job in the restaurant industry? A dishwasher.

But Jules has never been one to shy away from hard work. Ambitious and focused, he worked two jobs at a time, often sacrificing free time in pursuit of something greater. He understood that every role mattered, and that mindset would go on to shape the leader he is today.

20 Years of Experience, Every Role, One Purpose

Over the past 20 years, Jules has worked in every position within the restaurant industry. From the back of house to the front, from entry-level roles to leadership, he has done it all. That hands-on experience has given him a deep respect for every person who works in a restaurant and an appreciation for how demanding, and rewarding, hospitality truly is.

Along the way, Jules was fortunate to learn from incredible mentors who helped guide him, challenge him, and push him toward his goals. The hospitality industry, as he says, has given him some of the greatest opportunities and gifts of his life, not just professionally, but personally as well.

Family at the Center of Everything

In 2015, Jules met the love of his life while working in a restaurant, a moment that would change everything. Today, he’s a proud father to two beautiful daughters, Sianna and Mylah, who mean the world to him and inspire him every day.

That sense of family is exactly what drew Jules to Chula’s. Our mission is simple: create a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and at home, just like family. Jules lives that mission naturally, and we couldn’t imagine a better person to help lead our team and guest experience.

A Love for Hospitality… and Tequila

And then there’s the fun fact we couldn’t leave out.

Jules loves tequila, and loves talking about it even more. If you find yourself chatting with him about agave, distillation, or your favorite pour, don’t be surprised if the conversation lasts a while. His passion is contagious, and his knowledge adds another layer of authenticity to the Chula’s experience.

Welcome to Chula’s

“I can’t wait to welcome you all to Chula’s, where we treat everyone like family.”

Those words perfectly capture who Jules is and what Chula’s stands for.

We are beyond excited to welcome Julio “Jules” Martinez to the Chula’s familia and can’t wait for our community to meet him. Whether he’s greeting guests, supporting our team, or talking tequila at the bar, Jules is here to make sure every visit feels memorable, meaningful, and full of heart.

Welcome home, Jules. 🌶️🍹