Red Vault Bistro Celebrates 10 Years

In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on the Red Vault Bistro in Flatonia, owned by Gabriel Martinot and partner Elizabeth Muguira.

What is your business?

We are a bistro serving world-class food for lunch and dinner, prepared by a Master Chef trained in the best culinary school in Switzerland, inside a beautiful building that’s a century-and-a-half old in Flatonia.

How did you get started?

We came to Flatonia to meet friends and fell in love with this little train town and the rest is history.

How long have you been in business?

May 2, 2022, makes 10 years and going.

What are the products you sell?

We start with the best quality ingredients we can find including organic, farm-to-table and grass-fed. Our raw materials come from all over the world.

Tell us something unique about your product.

Besides the amazing food and drinks, where else can someone go to a restaurant, relax in a lovely, quiet, setting with jazz music and be served and have food prepared by the actual owners. We love our customers, and the feelings are mutual.

What is your background?

Chef Gabriel was trained in The Culinary School of Switzerland (and has been in the kitchen since he was three years old) is an International Sommier, and a barista. Elizabeth is a CPA who has great passion in people and serving them.

What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?

Do what makes you happy and take care of others like dear friends and everything else will fall in place.

Do you believe in college, trade school or any training?

Preparation is important, but the experience is king. Do your best and do not be afraid to ask for guidance from those that appear to know what they are doing, and of course, from a higher power.

What do you love about Flatonia?

We love the people!...then no traffic...and, of course, the trains!

What makes you laugh?

Our grandson, each other, dear friends and our dog, Pepito.