Elevating PHX: Emerging Airport Ventures

Do you have a taste for perfectly marinated carne asada or fish tacos? Take a seat at Sir Veza’s Taco Garage in Terminal 4 where you’ll be served and delighted by its staff that is emblematic of America’s Friendliest Airport^®.

PHX is proud to showcase the inspirational and successful entrepreneurial story of Sir Veza’s owner, Gonzalo A. de la Melena, Jr. Gonzalo, who is the founder and CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures, is forthright and insistent on instilling in his team members “fanatical customer service” and “cultivating a community of one passenger at a time,” mottos that both embody the airport’s slogan.

“The airport is not only an economic engine, but it is also the front door to our city and a reflection of our community,” says Gonzalo. “It is rewarding to be able to deliver on the promise of PHX being America’s Friendliest Airport^®.”

Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members, of course, will immediately recognize Gonzalo as the organization’s former president, a role he spearheaded from 2010 to 2019.

Prior to the Chamber, Gonzalo spent 12 years with Consumer Package Goods Company – The Dial Corporation where he conducted business in more than 30 countries before the age of 30 and led the company to three international acquisitions. After his last expatriate assignment as Country Manager in Guatemala, he was responsible for bringing the famous Quick Service Restaurant, Pollo Campero – “The Latin Chicken Loved Around the World” – to Arizona.

Ten years ago, Gonzalo won his first airport contract. He partnered with Arizona’s legendary El Charro, America’s oldest Mexican restaurant continuously run by the same family for 100 years. “I was introduced by Eddie Basha III (Trey) and it checked all the boxes for an on-point airport experience: portability, convenience, speed of service and a supply chain that ensured food safety and high-quality authentic ingredients,” says Gonzalo.

Regarding talent and workforce, Gonzalo says, “Pouring into our team members is critical to our success! It is particularly gratifying to see teammates hired 10 years ago are now managers leading high-performing teams and growing their leadership skills that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

This entrepreneurial leader isn’t just busy at PHX. Today, he also has food, beverage and retail holdings at Mesa Gateway, Salt Lake City and Denver airports, with a soon-to-launch venture in San Diego. In total, he oversees a portfolio of 24 restaurant and retail locations in five airports.

Gonzalo also has an active home life. He and his wife, Greta, are raising 5-year-old twins, Lucas and Carlotta, as well as 4-year-old Luis-Gonzalo.

PHX salutes Gonzalo’s success and presence and cherishes his contributions to making us America’s Friendliest Airport^®.