"The Sheriff of Hospitality"
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| Mark Perez & wife - Mark's FB |
Today's People Profile is about Mark A. Perez. Mark is the son of former Sheriff Alex Perez and the owner of the Toddle Inn restaurant on Central Blvd. in Brownsville. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mark since shortly after I moved to Brownsville in 2006. I lived just down the street from Toddle Inn and would frequently eat breakfast there. It has remained my go-to breakfast spot for nearly 10 years. Aside from Cobbleheads and Vermillion there is not another restaurant that holds such a place in my heart!
Mark grew up in the restaurant business as his father took over the restaurant when Mark was a young man. Early in his professional life he would help out but it wasn't his intention to take over. Mark followed his father's foot steps into legal field and spent 14 years as a Private Investigator. In 2005 he took over the restaurant to help out his father and has been at the helm ever since.
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| (Photo Credit - "The Food Fantasy" Blog) |
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| Mark & Alex @ Reserved Table |
But this is not about Toddle Inn... this is about Mark. I would like to say that over the years we have become more than just acquaintances. I consider him a friend. I feel this way because he made me feel like a friend. I think that's how he treats all his customers. They are friends first and then customers. For a couple years I lived directly behind Toddle Inn so me being newly single... it became my kitchen. Mark's "reserved" table in the back became my counseling table. I spent many hours sitting there talking about life, fatherhood and being a business owner. It was very cathartic and part of my recovery from grief and loss can be attributed to this kind man's ear and constructive feedback.
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| Mark and his son Eric - Mark's FB |
I would also listen to Mark talk about this son. We would both talk about our dreams and trials with our children. Mark was exceptionally proud of his son Eric recently as he had made his way to some very promising career opportunities in the restaurant field in San Antonio. This pride was coupled with a bit of fear as he knew his son was ultimately a small town boy and unaccustomed to the dangers of the big city. He urged his son not to get into fights or get involved in other people's arguments. Tragically Mark's concerns were not unfounded. Mark's son was murdered just months ago on the streets of San Antonio.
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| Perez Family - Mark's FB |
Mark and his family were absolutely devastated at this news. But in Mark's true fashion he is facing this terrible loss with his chin up and head held high. He and his family had a trip planned for shortly after the incident and they decide to proceed with the trip and view it as a celebration of his son's life. Although the case remains open Mark is hopeful that the culprit will be found. He cherishes the memory of his beloved "Big Boy". And I know he will not let this ruin his life or dampen his joy of living. I have visited with him since and although you can see the sadness in his eyes I can not help be be impressed by his resilience and spirit. I know Mark will carry on from this devastating loss and find a way to be a better man because of it. I know some day he will use the wisdom he gains from this to help another person like me while they sit at the "reserved" table in the back. His kindness and thoughtfulness will shine through and someone will benefit from this one day. I am just happy that when I needed help and my life was filled with sadness Mark was there.
Thank you Mark for all you do to create a warm safe place for our community to gather and feel at home no matter where they my live. We are all so grateful to Be part of it.
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| Author Craig Grove |
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Grove Realty Team
Also my favorite go to spot for breakfast or lunch. This restaurant never disappoints. Took my mother in law here for breakfast (she's from Pharr) and she loved it!
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