What does it take to open a restaurant that people fall in love with and keep coming back to year after year? In EyeSpy’s New Restaurant Playbook series, CEO Mistie Boulton sits down with industry leaders and emerging voices to uncover the real journey behind opening a successful restaurant. In this episode, she talks with David Linares, the visionary behind Macarena, a new Spanish restaurant that recently opened in Palo Alto.

David is a first-time owner, but his story began long before Macarena’s grand opening. He started working in restaurants at age 15 in Spain to support his education. His first role was simple: making tomato bread and serving tables. That early exposure to hospitality sparked a lifelong love for the industry. It led him to study hotel and restaurant management in London while opening restaurants for other companies. After years of helping others bring their concepts to life, he was ready to launch his own.

“I always wanted to open something timeless,” David told Mistie. He envisioned a place rooted in tradition, where recipes stay relevant across generations and the atmosphere feels familiar and enduring.

Finding the Right Location

David did not originally have Palo Alto in mind. He had nearly finalized a deal in San Carlos and had been scouting in Campbell when a new opportunity appeared. A landlord in Palo Alto reached out and mentioned that a desirable space would soon be available. After hearing David’s concept, they offered him the space immediately. It felt like the right fit. “It was love at first sight,” he said.

The location, formerly home to Bird Dog, carried a strong reputation. David saw it as a chance to create something equally special but entirely his own.

Raising Capital and Building Trust

Every restaurateur faces the challenge of financing their vision. For David, this meant securing support from eight angel investors. Without a previous ownership track record, he relied on his deep industry experience and a comprehensive business plan to win over investors.

“When you’re asking people to invest in something that doesn’t exist yet, your plan must be clear and compelling,” he said. “They need to see the vision as if it’s already operating.”

Designing with Purpose

David chose to start fresh with a new design team. He brought in 18 Studios, a firm with experience designing high-end hospitality spaces like Soho House. He wanted a European aesthetic and needed a team that could translate that vision to an American setting.

Despite the challenges, Macarena came to life in just two months. From design to construction to opening day, the project moved quickly without sacrificing quality. David credited the clarity of the concept and the efficiency of the team for keeping the build on track.

Leading with Passion

Macarena’s menu reflects David’s belief in staying true to your roots. He encourages restaurateurs to avoid compromising their vision out of fear. “You have to trust yourself,” he said. “If I’m opening a Spanish restaurant, I’m not going to add fries to please everyone. Fries are not Spanish. If it doesn’t inspire me, it won’t inspire my guests.”

That sense of authenticity extends to his team. David is involved in the daily operations, arriving early and staying late. He leads by example and believes that when the team sees his passion, they naturally reflect it in their own service. “Macarena is a way of life,” he explained. “If I live it and share it with my team, they will share it with our guests.”

Lessons from the Build

David offered several key takeaways for anyone planning to open a restaurant:

• Plan your funding early and make your projections strong.

• Start design and contractor selection far in advance to avoid delays and unexpected costs.

• Stay clear about your concept and avoid making changes out of fear or pressure.

• Build a team you can rely on and empower them to carry your vision forward.

He also stressed the importance of managing expectations around time and cost. Choosing a space that was previously a restaurant helped avoid lengthy permitting processes and allowed for a quicker turnaround.

Final Thoughts and One Key Contact

When Mistie asked what advice he would give to new owners, David didn’t hesitate. “Talk to Mistie,” he said. “Having her in your corner can help you avoid costly mistakes. She understands what it takes to open a restaurant and can guide you through the process.”

Macarena represents the result of passion, preparation, and thoughtful leadership. The space is warm and welcoming, the menu is rooted in tradition, and the culture is built on care. For David, this is more than a business. It is the realization of a lifelong dream, built one dish, one guest, and one decision at a time.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories in EyeSpy’s New Restaurant Playbook series.

Watch the interview here: