There are some restaurants you walk into and immediately feel the energy.

La Carreta on South Willow Street is one of those places.

From the moment you step inside, it feels festive, welcoming, and full of life. The colors, the music, the food, the drinks — it all comes together in a way that makes you want to settle in, order one more margarita, and stay a little longer.

When Jefferson Marino and Crystal sat down with me on Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, I already knew this was going to be a fun one.

But what I didn’t expect was just how much more I would appreciate what they’ve built there after hearing the story behind it.

One of my favorite parts of this episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast was hearing Jefferson’s story.

Because this is exactly the kind of story that defines this industry.

He didn’t start at the top.

He started at 17 years old… as a dishwasher.

And from there, he worked his way through every position — busser, food runner, cashier, server — learning every piece of the business along the way.

And I love that.

Because when someone understands every role, you feel it in how they lead.

You feel it in how they treat their team.

You feel it in how the restaurant runs.

What really stood out to me was when he talked about becoming manager at the South Willow location and realizing what was possible for him.

That moment — where you go from working in the business to seeing your future in it — that’s a big one.

And clearly, he ran with it.

A lot of people don’t realize this, but each La Carreta location has its own ownership and its own personality.

And South Willow?

It has a personality.

Jefferson and his family have completely transformed that space.

New booths. New floors. New walls. New décor.

And not just pulled from a catalog — they actually traveled to Guadalajara to bring back handmade pieces that now define the look and feel of the restaurant.

And you can feel that the second you walk in.

It doesn’t feel generic.

It feels personal.

Intentional.

Like something that was built, not just opened.

This was where Crystal really stood out.

And if you’ve ever sat at that bar, you already know.

On Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast, she talked about hospitality in a way that really stuck with me.

It’s not just about serving a drink.

It’s about making someone feel welcomed.

Remembered.

Taken care of.

And that shows up in the details.

They’re dehydrating their own fruit.

They’re playing with garnishes.

They’re thinking about presentation.

They’re making sure that when a drink hits the table, it feels like something special.

And that quote says it all:

It’s not just about making a margarita.

It’s about making it memorable.

I have to say, I learned a lot in this part of the conversation.

Jefferson talked about their barrel tequila program — how they select barrels, why 100% agave matters, and how tequila should really be experienced.

Not rushed.

Not just taken as a shot.

Experienced.

And I loved that.

Crystal added one of my favorite little moments — pairing tequila with orange instead of lime to bring out the flavor.

Simple, but such a great detail.

Because it changes the way you think about it.

And honestly, that’s what this whole experience is about.

Slowing down.

Enjoying what’s in front of you.

Making it count.

Because yes… we had to.

Jefferson shared that a brand-new menu is coming, and it sounds incredible.

More salads.

More appetizers.

More seafood.

New dips, empanadas, street corn.

Birria ramen.

Lengua.

Pork belly.

Breakfast burritos for takeout.

And yes… a birria pizza.

I mean, come on.

You know I’m already planning what I’m ordering.

But what I really appreciated was the mindset behind it.

They’re not standing still.

They’re evolving.

Listening.

Adjusting.

Giving people a reason to come back.

And that matters.

This was probably my favorite part of the conversation.

When I asked what hospitality means to them, their answers were simple — but powerful.

Crystal said it’s about making people feel like they’re welcome in your home.

Jefferson said it’s about treating people the way you want to be treated.

And honestly?

That’s it.

That’s the whole thing.

Because you can have great food, great drinks, beautiful décor…

But if people don’t feel cared for, they’re not coming back.

And at La Carreta South Willow, they get that.

You can feel it.

This episode of Beyond the Plate with Carol Podcast made me appreciate this place even more than I already did.

And that’s saying something, because I was already a fan.

La Carreta South Willow isn’t just serving food.

They’re creating a space.

A place where people can gather.

Relax.

Celebrate.

Stay a little longer than they planned.

And in today’s world?

That matters more than ever.

So if you haven’t been there yet, go.

Sit at the bar.

Order a margarita.

Try something new.

And pay attention to the details.

Because there’s a lot of heart in that building.

And trust me…

You can taste it.

Watch and listen to my full conversation with Jefferson and Crystal from La Carreta South Willow and experience the story behind the food, the drinks, and the hospitality.

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ABOUT CAROL ERICKSON

Carol Erickson has owned Red Arrow Diner since 1987 -- four locations across New Hampshire, open 24/7. She started Beyond the Plate to tell the real stories behind the people who make New England's food and hospitality scene what it is. Not just what's on the menu. What's behind it.

Red Arrow Diner: redarrowdiner.com  |  @redarrow24diner