Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocio Segura.
Hi Rocio, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Elise was a vision God gave me 12 years ago. I was at a restaurant, and as I looked around, I remember telling my family, “this is how I would like my tables and chairs to look when I own my restaurant.” My parents were in the process of opening their restaurant at the time, Umbertos Italian Grill. I was a paralegal at the time and worked at a law firm. In 2012, I went through a complicated divorce. I was battling with depression, anxiety, rejection, fear, anger, frustration, and very heavy oppression. I decided to leave the firm and start working for my parents. At the time, I weighed 230 pounds. I suffered from excruciating back pain. I could not even pick up my children. I remember the day so clearly; my son had asked me to carry him, but my daughter Eliana responded to him and told him that I could not carry him because my back was in pain. My heart hurt when I heard her say that, but at the same time gave me a sense of urgency to change my health and body.
In 2016, I started the Daniel fast. Only fruits, vegetables, and legumes. No animal products. I desired to get closer to God. I began to change my ways of eating. I made my almond and coconut milk and prepared vegan recipes from scratch. I lost over 90 pounds. I could now carry my children! Working at my parent’s restaurant taught me character, customer service, financing, managing, advertising, ordering products, and much more. In 2020, when COVID hit, we closed Umbertos for 3 weeks. God reminded me of my desire to open up my restaurant during that time. Mind you; we were in a pandemic. So many restaurants and businesses were closing. God had other plans in store for me. I trusted God with the vision He had placed in my heart. I’m thankful to God for the mentors He has placed in my life. They have been there to lift my arms up in moments of doubt and fear. Opening the business took work. Construction took over a year and a half to build. But during that time frame, God was preparing me. God was stretching my faith.
Elise means God is my stronghold, and God is my promise. Elise came from both of my children’s names combined, Eliana and Sebastian. Looking for alternative vegetarian meals at other restaurants has always been challenging. I always order a side salad, french fries, or soup. For my family, coming to vegan restaurants is not an option lol. The menu at Elise Cuisine was created to fit all guests. Meat-friendly options include chicken and turkey, as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Now all families, friends, and loved ones can share a nice meal, not just having sides but a full course meal.
Elise opened its doors in May of 2022. One day before opening, I lost my head chef. I had plumbing issues and other challenges occur. Fear was trying to pull me down of opening. I can remember that day clearly. I remember crying out to God, asking Him to guide my steps. God provided a chef that same day, and the plumbing situation was fixed. I opened it the next day. I have worked with the Saith Phillips Culinary School students looking to complete their practicum and have hands-on practice and work. I get to mentor every one of them. We have already had one of our team members graduate from the Restaurant Management program in December of 2022. I could not be prouder of our team. They come into Elise every single day with motivation and so much passion. I am grateful to God for my Elise Team.
On January 27, 2023, we will be open for 8 months. As one of the few restaurants on the far west side of San Antonio, Texas, we are incredibly proud to offer a variety of options to our community.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have had our challenges at Elise. Construction started at the end of 2020. It took a lot of work to get materials on time for the construction due to backed-up orders, delays in shipments, etc. We also had challenges obtaining the permits with the City of San Antonio, Texas. We had plumbing challenges a day before opening Elise. I lost a few staff members a day before opening Elise Cuisine. We get to share with the community that we are a vegan, vegetarian, meat-friendly, and gluten-free restaurant that offers different varieties to all families, friends, and loved ones.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make my vegan milk at Elise. Almond, Coconut Almond, and Oat Milk. The pulp left from the Almond is baked and made into almond flour. We made a delicacy of Gluten Free pastry with almond flour. Our famous Almond Cookie drizzled with chocolate is made with almond flour. We have a women’s devotional study group once a month at Elise Cuisine. We donate coffee at the YMCA on Potranco every other month.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was watching my father cook for us. He had a pizza oven in the garage. One day of the week, he would grab any ingredients we had at the house and make a pizza for my mothers and my two younger sisters. Also, he would ask me to go to the neighbor’s house to ask for rosemary to make his famous potato leak soup. The house always smelled full of flavors. On Saturdays, my mom would cook a big pot of beans and make her fresh homemade flour tortillas. My sisters and I would watch KLRN and watch cooking shows. My maternal grandmother would cook for us. She taught me how to cook her famous rice. She would grab the rice and say, “this is a portion for you, your sisters, your dad, etc.” She taught me how to measure with her hand and her heart, lol
Pricing:
- Breakfast Brunch $7-15
- Breakfast Sandwiches $12-$13
- Smoothies $8
- Lunch Sandwiches $11-$15
- Bakery $3-$8
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @elise_cuisine_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eliseuisinesatx
