Skip Links

Back To The List
Our People, Our Stories, Success Story
Purveyors of Amazing: Fernando Nunez

Purveyors of Amazing: Fernando Nunez

This Truluck’s general manager brings a passion for hospitality to everything he does.

When Fernando Nunez, general manager at Truluck’s Downtown Austin, Texas location, moved to the United States from Ecuador in 2007, it wasn’t long before he found his calling in the hospitality industry. And a calling it was.

headshot of assistant general manager Fernando Nunez in a blue suit with his arm on the bartop

“We ended up in Key West, Florida, and this beautiful island was filled with restaurants and bars. We went to this local favorite Italian restaurant La Trattoria, and here is where I knew that I needed to be working in the hospitality industry,” he says. “I was so fascinated by the elegance and knowledge of everyone.”

The very next day, Nunez was hired as a busser at La Trattoria, where he worked his way up to a serving role. After a few months, Jason Dugan, the owner of Santiago’s Bodega, an up-and-coming restaurant in the area, asked Nunez to join his team.

Fern and a group of friends after they finished a running race in front of the finish line.

“I worked at Santiago’s for more than 11 years. And it was here that was exposed to a part of the hospitality industry that I had no idea existed and where I found my passion and love for wine,” he says. “And the most important part—Santiago’s is where I was introduced to Brook, who is my partner and love of my life.”

Fern and his wife dressed up for a holiday party. Fern is in a snowman themed suit. Fern and his wife in sunglasses with the ocean and a beautiful sunset in the background.

fern and his wife holding two glasses of champagne and toasting in front of the ocean Fern and his wife traveling with an ancient church in the background.

Nunez joined Truluck’s four years ago, and his recent promotion to general manager is a testament to his passion for the industry and those around him.

“Every single individual that I have interacted with in the past four years has made an impact on my personal life,” he says. “So many people here at Truluck’s are willing to share and teach their knowledge to prepare you for anything! I could spend hours explaining why Truluck’s is so amazing, but it is very simple: Truluck’s has a way of finding people that truly care for our guests and employees and who are willing to be mentors.”

Austin downtown beverage manager, Fernando Nunez, with his bar team posing in front of the staircase

Over the years, Nunez has helped guests celebrate proposals and weddings, reunions and graduations, crafting unforgettable events and dining experiences.

“There are so many stories to tell, and each one is special and unique, like the time we hid a guest in the chair closet during a rehearsal diner to surprise a groom, or where I had to take over the decoration setup for a wedding ceremony,” he says. “Thank goodness my wife is an event coordinator, so I somehow knew what I was doing. I think!” Speaking of his wife, Fernando owes his success to the support that he receives from his family. Fernando says, “they are my world, without their support, my journey with Truluck’s would not be possible, everything I do is because of them.”

Fern and his family on a ski lift dressed in winter coats heading up the mountain. Fern and his daughter looking at each other face to face in a restaurant and smiling.

Also in his free time, Fernando loves playing golf and as well as soccer. He loves supporting Austin FC at Q2 stadium but mentions that his heart will always be with Manchester United.

Fernando on the golf course raising his club to swing at the ball by a sand pit. Fern and his family at an Austin FC game with the stadium in the background.

Make your own memories at Truluck’s. Reserve a table today. Your table is waiting.

Read More Stories