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Work Space: The Rio celebrates it's 20th anniversay |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 14 June 2006 |
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Page 1 of 2  
During a late night “research session,” Pat McGaughran, Stephen Mouton and Andre Mouton stumbled upon their secret margarita recipe.
Twenty years later, the Rio Mexican restaurant has become a spicy hot spot in Fort Collins and other Colorado locations.
“We didn’t even have a bar when we started,” McGaughran said. “We were just serving margaritas as part of the Mexican experience. We had no idea how thirsty Colorado was for a decent margarita.”
The night they discovered their winning recipe, they forgot to write it down and had to do it over.
The three childhood friends from Texas divided their time between Mexico and Colorado doing the “hippie thing,” McGaughran said.
They had little to no money, so they borrowed money from a trusted friend to buy the necessary materials. They did a lot of work themselves and opened the first Rio in 1986 at 43 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins.
“We were home sick for the food we grew up with and discovered in our travels,” he said. “Our mission was to create a great place to work and friendly place to enjoy some food and drinks.”
Since then, the Rio has branched out to Boulder, Greeley, LoDo in Denver, Steamboat Springs and Lone Tree. The Mouton brothers have moved on to other things, but their family is still very much a part of the company. The latest expansion was to Austin, Texas.
McGaughran said there have been challenges along the way, but his perseverance has seen him through. Although there are no immediate plans for any more expansion, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
VITAL STATS
Name: Pat McGaughran
Company: The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Title: Owner
How long have you worked there? 20 years
IN HIS WORDS
What is it about this job that makes it challenging?
I truly love the people that I get to work with. Best bunch of great souls you could imagine. I love creating an atmosphere that people seek for fun and relaxation.
Things that impress you? Things that don’t.
A natural good nature, a job well done. Someone who does what they say. My brother Bear says, “beware of sad people, for the revolution is Joy!”
How do young/new employees get ahead?
We have a long history of promoting from within. Mostly great spirit and a genuine heart. Doesn’t hurt to know how to hustle a bit.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
Never thought I would be where this has taken me. Life is a beautiful mystery.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you do?
I like building things.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
Worked in the North Sea inspecting oil and gas pipelines.
What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while at work? Smartest?
Stupidest thing. Recent. At our managers retreat. Involved a bicycle, Tequila, a ramp and a bonfire. Have some scars to show for it. Pretty stupid. Smartest? Being involved in the creation of our work environment.
Any interesting anecdotes?
Live strong, stay positive.
What’s the one thing you wish you could do on the job that you can’t right now?
Have the time to know the Rio staff better at each location.
What do you do during your breaks?
Ride my bike.
What’s one thing about your job you would do, even if you weren’t paid to do it?
I feel like I get paid to eat and drink at the Rio. Pretty good gig, but I would do it for free.
Name one thing in your life that really prepared you for your job.
Maybe being more or less on my own at a fairly young age. I learned how to problem solve. My parents died when I was a teenager. I basically woke up and said I had to get my act together.
What’s the biggest payoff in your job?
Leading the charge for this magnificent group is very rewarding.
Are you the boss? Do you think you should be?
Yes. Yup.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
Hang out with my honey, Leah. Ride bikes. Steamboat. Do a little cooking.
Pets? Family?
My wife Leah, and wonder cat Buster. Cayenne is our spicy golden retriever.
My kids are grown and off on adventures.
Favorite TV shows. Movies. Books.
Hooked on the potty mouth HBO show “Deadwood.” Read “Tipping Point” recently.
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
VeloNews.com, Stovebolt.com Riograndemexican.com
Where do you play?
I like to fish, some hiking. Did I mention cycling? Build some funky thing out of rusty metal.
Go out the eat?
Go out to eat? Need you ask?
Favorite spot?
Right now I’m diggin the ‘Boat. (Steamboat).
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