We have all heard the name, people talking about him, all over Facebook, on the streets by word of mouth, funniest one liners in Vallarta, creator of one of the fastest growing hot spots in Vallarta, "Eddies by the River". But who is he really and what makes him Muy Rapido?
Eddie was born in Mexico City, His family moved to California when he was nine years old. He completed High School and then enlisted in the US Army. He served for seven years, stationed in Germany, Eddie was transferred to Bosnia at the height of the Bosnian war. While serving in Bosnia for three years he observed the atrocities of war and the tremendous affects it had on the children.
What Eddie saw and experienced in Bosnia had a great affect on him and he promised himself that if he ever had the chance to help the children in his country of Mexico, he would do everything in his power to provide happiness for them. He tried to help in Bosnia, but for the most part, his hands were tied by red tape.
When he was honorably discharged from the US Military, he moved to Texas for two years but wasn't happy there, so he packed up his belongings and moved back to his native land. But this time he took his mothers advise and moved to Puerto Vallarta. The day he arrived in Vallarta, he knew he had found his true home, where his heart would be happy. Now all he had to do was find a job...
He applied at Casa Isabel. They asked him if he knew how to bar tend. Having never been a bartender in his life, he ran home and searched his computer for every drink recipe he could find and memorized them. One day a fellow came in and asked him to make a drink that he didn't know how to make, so he said "Exactly how would you like me to make your drink"? The fellow told him and all was good with one more happy customer.
Now to why Eddie has earned the nickname "Fast Eddie".
As he became to know his customers and their preferences, when he saw them come in, he made sure he had their favorite drink on the bar in their favorite spot waiting for them. And he always made sure everyone's drinks were topped up. He made sure that he took care of his customers. Always quick, always watching for what he could do to make them happy. Thus the well earned nickname "Fast Eddie".
Eddie endeared himself to the staff at Casa Isabel by giving the tips that he earned to the married staff. His thought was that they had families to feed, where he was single and had no one to support but himself. Just another example of his selfless personality and generosity.
While working at Casa Isabel, he volunteered in his spare time at local charities as much as he could. He wanted to give back to the community and help the children as much as he was able.
He started up a couple of Karaoke clubs after leaving Casa Isabel that were mildly successful and then he met Allie, his love. Allie introduced Eddie to her family and one thing led to another and soon they were like one big happy family.
In November last year, Eddie had an idea, a dream. He described his idea to the family. They had enough love and trust in him that they all quit their jobs, sold everything of value (including their iPads and iPhones!) and opened a new fun spot in Vallarta and named it "Eddies on the River". Eddies dream has become a reality.
Starting from nothing but a few pesos, the first 45 days were a little interesting, with just enough money for the barest of essentials. But as time went by, under the eagle eye of Allie, the stock has steadily grown. With Fast Eddies charisma and his close knit family helping in the restaurant, the word has gone out quickly and the clientele has grown rapidly.
Today, a little over two months later, Eddies by the River is packed most days, with not enough chairs and tables for all the happy customers! Even the nearby restaurants have loaned their tables and chairs for the evening so everyone has a place at Eddies!
In an effort to fulfill his promise from Bosnia, every two weeks on Saturdays, Eddie holds a day camp for the orphan children on the grounds at Eddies by the River. The kids come in and are treated to a day of free hot dogs, chips, candies, face painting and bouncy castle. Eddie and his family are also strong supporters of El Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, (RISEPV), Pasitos de Luz (PDL) and The Childrens Shelter of Hope here in Vallarta.
I have asked Eddie on numerous occasions why he doesn't ask the ex-patriots for donations. His response is "I do this for the kids. I do this just for the sheer joy that I see on their faces. If anyone wants to donate time or money, its greatly appreciated, but that isn't what I'm about. I want the kids to have a childhood. I want them to have some happy memories. That is what I want for these kids".
So now you know...
Come by and say hello to Eddie and his family at Eddies by the River, be well fed for a VERY reasonable price, sing a little Karaoke, listen and dance to live rock bands, have your favorite refreshment, enjoy the rustling of the river as it passes by,
But above all else, ask Eddie how you too can help the children....
The next children's event is this coming Saturday, February 14, Valentines Day. Everyone is welcome to stop by from 12 to 3 to help serve hot dogs and refreshments, clean tables, help the children enjoy Valentines Day as they have never experienced it before.
Then on Sunday the 15th is the 2K Walk for the Children sponsored by RISE, from 8am to 11am at the Stadium across from the Sheraton
Karaoke
Have fun with us at Eddie's On The River!
Fun with Us at Eddie's On The River!
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