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Daniel Contreras
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Daniel Contreras owns El Guero Canelo restaurants in Arizona, and his career is built on authentic Mexican food.
The Path
Early in their career, Daniel worked as dishwasher at Travel Lodge hotel restaurant in Tucson, Arizona (1979), bus person at Travel Lodge hotel restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, employee at Sheraton Pueblo, waiter at El Minuto Café, worker at Water well company, door-to-door jewelry salesperson and nighttime waiter, and cook 2 at Crystal Palace, Disney's Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort (from 2006). Today, Daniel is owner of El Guero Canelo restaurants (since 1993) and Head Chef of Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The Work Today
Contreras owns El Guero Canelo restaurants in Arizona, where his name remains tied to authentic Mexican food.
Signature
Daniel's signature dishes include Sonoran Hot Dog.
In Their Words “I grew up eating Sonoran style hot dogs and carne asada, but we couldn’t find that around here.” “That’s when my idea started coming into my head – I should open a restaurant or a taco stand.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Daniel
Where did Daniel Contreras work before?
Daniel Contreras's earlier career included Travel Lodge hotel restaurant, Travel Lodge hotel restaurant, and Sheraton Pueblo.
What recognition has Daniel Contreras received?
America's Classics Award (2018).
