At Loop 9 BBQ in Grand Prairie, Texas, where the smoky aroma of barbecued meats mingles with the laughter of satisfied customers, Elsa Morales, pastry chef and back-of-house facilitator, helps make the good times come together!


Elsa stands as a pillar of dedication, versatility, and joyful enthusiasm in our BBQ haven of Grand Prairie. Her path at Loop 9 BBQ is not just one of professional achievement but also a testament to her passion, resilience, and the deep sense of family she has cultivated in the restaurant industry.

A Decade of Hospitality Experience

Elsa Morales’s career in the restaurant industry spans about 10 years, marked by her unending excitement toward learning and self-improvement. She is never afraid to take on a new task or position. Elsa’s positive nature and can-do attitude are an infectious aura that surrounds her. Her commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her diverse roles at Loop 9 BBQ.

As a leader in both bakery and kitchen cleanliness operations, she wears many hats. From her start at Loop 9, Elsa embraced the role of prep cook before moving on to pastry chef for our Pie Shop with remarkable zeal. She has worked in many other kitchens before, but Loop 9 is the first place that she’s been able to really stretch her culinary limbs. Before the opportunity at Loop 9 BBQ, Elsa had never before worked with pastries and baking. Her ability to adapt and thrive in new areas speaks volumes about her devotion to her craft and her openness to learning. We all can learn a thing or three from Elsa’s go-getter ethos!

Who’s Influenced Elsa’s BBQ Career?

Elsa’s career at Loop 9 BBQ has not been without her own influences. Regina Lee, General Manager at Loop 9 BBQ, has been a significant mentor in Elsa’s professional journey. Elsa acknowledges this impact with heartfelt gratitude; she says Regina has always recognized and rewarded her hard work. The supportive environment fostered by the leadership at Loop 9 has clearly played a crucial role in Elsa’s career development.

Cleanliness is Top Priority at Loop 9 BBQ

When it comes to hospitality, Elsa takes immense pride in creating exceptional experiences for the guests at Loop 9 BBQ. She not only bakes delicious pies and pastries, but Loop 9 leadership relies on her critical eye to ensure that both back and front of house remain spotless every day! She sets the standard for the rest of the staff to follow when it comes to the “white glove” test in cleanliness. Her resolution to maintain an immaculate and welcoming environment underscores her commitment to excellent service.

Family First at Loop 9 BBQ and at Home

Loop 9 BBQ is not just a workplace for Elsa; it’s a second home. The recognition and support she receives from her colleagues are deeply meaningful to her. When we awarded Elsa with her Employee Spotlight award, she gushed about how much the restaurant and team meant to her and we feel the exact same about her. She is a light that burns as bright as our grill flames within our little BBQ family. (We’re not crying. You’re crying.)

Outside of work, Elsa’s life revolves around her family. Balancing her roles at Loop 9 BBQ with family life is a challenge she embraces wholeheartedly. She has three children, one boy and two girls, that her world revolves around. When she isn’t shining her light at Loop 9, she is spending time with those wonderful kiddos of hers! Her commitment to her family and her role at Loop 9 showcases her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with grace.

We asked Elsa if she could pick one person in the whole world (living or not) to work a shift with, she only had one answer. *Get your tissues ready!* She chose her eldest daughter, Ariana. She said her daughter is kind-hearted and hard-working, just like her, and she’d love to spend the whole day with her. We were touched by the honesty of her answer. Elsa is truly a special person that our company is lucky to have!

Elsa Morales’s journey at Loop 9 BBQ is a powerful reminder of the determination and passion that fuel the restaurant industry. Her story reflects her professional achievements and the personal connections that make her an invaluable member of the Loop 9 family. From mastering new skills in the kitchen to balancing family life and work, Elsa embodies the heart and soul of Loop 9 BBQ. 

P.S. Elsa recommends you get the pork ribs the next time you visit Loop 9 BBQ. She taste-tests them every day to make sure they are ready for ya! ;)