Born into the restaurant business, William Cortez is a fourth-generation family member of La Familia Cortez Restaurants. In 1941, William’s great-grandfather, Pedro Cortez, started La Familia Cortez Restaurants, which includes the world-famous Mi Tierra Café, and has since expanded to four generations and five restaurant locations.

While earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, William worked in other restaurants such as, The Grille in Leon Springs, The Roaring Fork, and Cappy’s that helped him gain insight into the restaurant and hospitality industry. After graduation, William began working full-time for his family business where he helped to oversee the construction and operation of the newest restaurant, Mi Familia de Mi Tierra.

Familia, Comida, y Cultura run through his veins, and he has continued in his passion to preserve his culture and continue the legacy of his family’s business by joining different community organizations such as the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Council, The North Chamber’s Leadership Lab Board Member, Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos Board Member and the Alexander Briseno Leadership Development Program.