Rodrigo Souza Cooks Up Success

This week on JobMakers, host Denzil Mohammed talks with Rodrigo Souza, immigrant from Brazil and owner of Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse in Leominster, Massachusetts. Drawing on the resourcefulness and doggedness of his Brazilian culture, Rodrigo built a successful business here in the United States, creating around 400 jobs since his restaurant opened in 2009. Offering rodízio-style service, Comeketo won the People’s Choice Award in the 2020 Worcester, Massachusetts Best Chef Competition. Even during the pandemic, Rodrigo found new and inventive ways of generating revenue and keeping people employed. He’s also given back to the country that took him in, from his three years in the U.S. Army to feeding the town’s homeless, as you’ll learn in this week’s JobMakers.

Guest

Rodrigo Souza is an authentic, natural entrepreneur. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rodrigo immigrated to the US in September 2001 at the age of 18. During his early days in the U.S., Rodrigo found his passion for the food and hospitality business. He began his career at Vinny Testa's preparing silverware for guests and quickly advanced to the front of the house to become a server. His entrepreneurial nature kicked in and he opened Comeketo restaurant in Leominster in 2009. Within five years, he moved to a larger location, which he later renovated to become a full-service Brazilian Steakhouse. During his career, Rodrigo has served the U.S. Army for three years and devoted many hours to his local community. He is currently a member of the board of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.