Entrepreneurial spirit and food are the names of Iron Chef Jose Garcés’ games, and he was honored for his combination of the two last Friday, Sept. 23 at AL DÍA’s annual Hispanic Heritage Awards gala.

Garcés is founder and namesake behind the Garces Group, a Philly-based dining and hospitality group that bases its experiences for diners around the culinary cultural traditions of his Ecuadorian roots.

In the process, he’s opened more than 10 restaurant locations in Philadelphia, its suburbs and Atlantic City, established a foundation that offers health and educational services to Philly’s immigrant community in the hospitality industry, and launched an event planning arm to the company.

As both his entrepreneurial inspiration and the cultural experiences he infuses into all his work, Garces pointed to his parents upon accepting his award on Sept. 23.

“I was a witness to their hard work and sacrifice,” Garcés said of his father Jorge and mother Magdalena.

Both emigrated to Chicago back in the 1960s, and their hard work was able to propel Jose and his two brothers to heights they never dreamed possible.

Garcés said their efforts allowed him to “really live a dream.”

“A dream I’ve been able to fulfill and I’m so grateful for,” he continued.

His next thank yous were directed at his wife, kids, and the wider support circle he’s been able to build at the Garces Group.

“The culinary field and the hospitality world is such a journey, and to be able to do it for so long and to be able to continue to do it and inspire and mentor others, it’s truly an honor for myself,” said Garcés.