Emilio’s Restaurante Español Authentic Spanish Cuisine Yvonne, Chad & Emilio
Emilio Peiro Emilio was born in Spain in a family of five children in the province of Valencia, one of the most beautiful regions of the country, and famous for, among other things, “la Paella”, a traditional Spanish dish. His mother was an excellent cook and his brother is a chef in Spain. However, Emilio did not always like the kitchen. As a young boy he hated having to work at the kitchen at his mother's request. Fortunately he changed and now he loves working in his kitchen and preparing traditional Spanish dishes for his guests. His personal and business life has always revolved around football (soccer) and the kitchen. In 1987 he opened his first restaurant in Charlottesville, VA; a well known restaurant that he named “La Barraca” which he later sold in 1991 to go to Spain. While in Spain, he opened a second restaurant, “Olimpic”, in 1993. Then, having to move back to the USA, he decided to buy “Richie’s” in 2003, located in the corner of Broad and Meadow here in Richmond, VA, to turn it into what we know today as Emilio’s Restaurante Español.
	Today his life still revolves around soccer as a coach for the "Richmond Strikers Soccer Club" and as a player as well, and his business endeavor at the restaurant. Every person who goes to Emilio’s can see how the place has been changing to express his personal touch, his Mediterranean style and personality, making Emilio’s a very attractive place to visit frequently. ©StyleWeekly
Chad Stambaugh Chad is a young entrepreneur who saw an opportunity and decided to associate himself with another winner to buy his place of work and transform it into Emilio’s. He is originally from Philadelphia, PA: definitely an Eagle’s fan. After enrolling and serving in the NAVY, he moved to Richmond, VA and started to work and get experience in the restaurant business. He managed Pasta Luna Restaurant for three years; he also worked at Havana 59, Tonic and others. Finally, he worked at Richie’s just in time to partner with Emilio in order to buy the establishment and turn it around to what it is right now.
There is a lot of tradition and history in this place. But the experience of both Emilio and Chad, their hard work and dedication, and the new faces coming in, have turned Emilio’s into a MUST visit restaurant in the Richmond area.
Yvonne Zienkiewicz Yvonne is a Chesterfield native who has worked in the restaurant business off and on for over twenty-five years.  She has experience as a hostess, waitress, bartender, and prep cook and has worked in family steak houses, sandwich shops, pizzerias and nightclubs for both independent owners and chain establishments. She joined Emilio and Chad in their Midlothian venture, Emilio’s @ Woodlake, which opened in July 2006. Her work history includes over eleven years with McGuireWoodsLLP where she began as a legal secretary and moved into the technology department as a Corporate Help Desk Analyst. She was soon promoted to Senior Analyst, and later promoted to On-Site Technician. Yvonne holds a bachelors degree in business management and earned her post-baccalaureate degree in information systems from VCU in May 2003, while maintaining full time employment.
	Yvonne enjoys the restaurant business but finds that she has little spare time to enjoy traveling or relaxing. She resides in Midlothian with her 17-year old daughter, and is excited to be involved in the new venture @ Short Pump.