She is mother to Blake Lancarte, Elliott Lancarte, and her late son Hunter Lerma, and she, like her siblings, holds a rigorous work ethic as a truly dedicated and energetic team player. She readily faces challenges with a willingness to lend a helping hand—her caring presence complements the family dynamic. Quick on her feet, her problem-solving abilities enable her to think outside the box to find unique solutions to whatever challenges come her way. Over the years, Zurella has also dedicated herself to documenting Joe T.’s growth through photography and film. Today, she continues to preserve the Joe T.’s legacy through her abilities as an archivist, a manager, and a positive influence.
Zurella hope Lancarte
Zurella Lancarte is a commanding presence who brings energy, warmth, care, and vivacity wherever she goes. As the third born of Hope’s seven children, Zurella has much to live up to, and has the moxie to do it. She remembers waking up early before school and, along side her siblings, meticulously cleaning avocados, picking out the rocks from the bean harvest, and ensuring proper dinner service preparation.
With her dad’s passion for education and her mom’s love for business, Zurella ambitiously split her time between academics and helping to run the family business. After a focused day of school studies, she would return home to help cook and smash beans, plate and serve enchiladas, and manage the register. After high school, Zurella completed a Bachelor’s Degree in business at the University of Colorado, bringing back a wealth of knowledge and newfound confidence to the family.
As the on-site manager for daytime operations, she manages customer experiences and the employee transitions from day to night service. As the restaurant has grown, she has helped preserve the warm, welcoming atmosphere for which Joe T.’s has always been known.
“It doesn’t matter who they are:
You treat them all the same.”
— Zurella Lancarte
What is your superpower? I intuitively know how to improve my guest’s experience– and I can always tell what my guests need simply by watching their hands.
What is your favorite meal at Joe T’s? The cheese enchilada dinner, a little crispy!
What is your favorite spot in the restaurant? I love to sit on the north side of the patio, where I can look out over my guests and home. But I also love the front dining room where I made so many formative memories!
Any fun stories? My brother, David, hosted a Fats Domino concert at the restaurant – complete with a fiberglass stage over the pool and a white piano. Fats Domino was two hours late and we had our hands full managing the crowd, but as soon as Fats started to play, our guests were mesmerized.