For National Food Service Worker Day, the San Antonio restaurant honors three employees with more than 60 combined years of service
SAN ANTONIO, TX - In recognition of National Food Service Worker Day on Friday, September 25, Ácenar is celebrating three hospitality professionals whose service stretches back to the restaurant’s earliest days: Executive Chef Richard Sanchez, General Manager Patty Deptawa and Banquet Manager Gus Rodriguez.
National Food Service Worker Day, led by the nonprofit Giving Kitchen, returns for its second nationwide observance in 2026 to recognize the cooks, servers, bartenders, managers and other professionals who power the hospitality industry. The occasion carries added meaning at a time when restaurant operators continue to identify recruiting and retention as a major business challenge.
The National Restaurant Association’s 2026 Hiring & Staffing Report found that restaurant and foodservice turnover averaged 122 percent in 2025. The rate varied widely by position, reaching approximately 131 percent among waitstaff and 73 percent among chefs and head cooks. Against that backdrop, Ácenar’s long-tenured leadership team represents a notable San Antonio story of career growth, continuity and shared commitment.
Sanchez and Deptawa have both been part of Ácenar since it opened on the San Antonio River Walk in 2005. Sanchez leads the culinary team and shapes the restaurant’s modern approach to Texas regional Mexican cuisine. Deptawa has spent more than two decades guiding the guest experience and sharing her knowledge of the brand and the River Walk with employees and visitors alike.
Rodriguez joined Ácenar in 2006. He began as a server and bartender before advancing through bar management and event coordination roles to become banquet manager. His career reflects the professional pathways that restaurants can create when talent, mentorship and opportunity come together.
“When Patty, Richard and Gus chose to build their careers with Ácenar, they also helped build the restaurant itself,” said Lisa Wong, Ácenar’s co-founder. “They carry our history, set the standard for hospitality and teach each new generation what it means to care for our guests and one another. Their loyalty is something we never take for granted.”
Together, Sanchez, Deptawa and Rodriguez represent more than 60 combined years of service to Ácenar. Their institutional knowledge has helped the restaurant maintain consistency while welcoming new employees, evolving with San Antonio’s dining scene and serving generations of River Walk guests.
Ácenar invites San Antonians to recognize the people behind their favorite dining experiences on National Food Service Worker Day by thanking a server, cook, bartender, host, dishwasher, chef or manager. To learn more about Ácenar and its team, visit acenar.com.
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About Ácenar HotMex & Coolbar
Located on the vibrant San Antonio River Walk, Ácenar offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Known for its innovative menu and festive cocktails, Ácenar continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
| Ácenar HotMex & Coolbar | |
LOCATION & NUMBER 146 E. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas 78205 210.222.2362 | HOURS Sun-Thu 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fri & Sat 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
