Xavier Echeverria, Q39 director of operations, is one of the leaders helping guide the guest experience, team culture, and day-to-day operations across Q39 in Kansas City. During Hispanic Heritage Month, he was recognized by KSHB 41 for the journey that brought him from Ecuador to Kansas and for the impact he continues to make on Q39 BBQ, its team members, and its guests.
At Q39, we’re proud of the people behind the scenes who help make every meal memorable. One of those people is Xavier Echeverria, whose story reflects hard work, dedication, family values, and a passion for hospitality that has spanned more than three decades.
As KSHB 41 reporter La’Nita Brooks reported in her feature on Xavier, his path began in Ecuador and eventually led him to become a key leader for one of Kansas City’s most recognized names in barbecue. You can read the original story here: KSHB 41 feature on Xavier Echeverria.
Who Is Xavier Echeverria?
Xavier Echeverria, Q39 director of operations, immigrated to the United States from Ecuador in 1994. After arriving in Kansas, he completed high school in Lawrence and began building a career in restaurant hospitality that would eventually span more than 30 years.
Today, Xavier oversees approximately 500 employees across Q39’s operations and has played a major role in the continued growth of the brand. His leadership helped bring two new restaurants to life in less than six months, including the Q39 locations in Lawrence and Lee’s Summit.
For Xavier, hospitality has always been about more than serving food. It is about creating an environment where team members feel supported and guests feel welcome the moment they walk through the door.
That mindset is one reason he says Q39 in Kansas City has felt like the right fit. In the KSHB 41 feature, Xavier described the company’s focus on family and caring for both team members and guests as values that closely reflect his own.
How His Ecuadorian Heritage Shapes His Leadership
Xavier often credits his parents for teaching him lessons that continue to guide him today.
According to the KSHB 41 interview, he remembers learning about dedication, hard work, and integrity from an early age in Ecuador. One lesson in particular has stayed with him throughout his life: “Do the right thing when nobody’s watching.”
Those values continue to influence how he leads teams, develops relationships, and approaches every challenge.
Xavier also believes his Ecuadorian heritage brings a unique energy to the workplace. He shared that Hispanic cultures often bring warmth, enthusiasm, and a sense of celebration wherever they go. As he told KSHB 41, “I think that we bring the party to everywhere we go just because of who we are.”
That spirit is evident throughout the restaurants he helps oversee. Whether he’s connecting with guests, supporting team members, or helping launch new locations, Xavier brings an enthusiasm that people quickly notice.
What Makes Xavier’s Leadership Stand Out?
Those who work alongside Xavier see his impact every day.
Patrick Peluso, Q39 executive chef and director of culinary, described Xavier as someone whose presence immediately energizes a restaurant. In the KSHB 41 story, Peluso noted that Xavier regularly connects with team members throughout the restaurant, from servers in the dining room to cooks and chefs in the kitchen, while also remaining focused on food quality and the overall guest experience.
Peluso also highlighted the partnership the two share as they work together to grow the brand and maintain the standards guests expect from championship bbq in Kansas City.
Their shared focus extends beyond day-to-day operations. It is about creating memorable dining experiences while continuing to strengthen the culture that has helped make Q39 BBQ a local favorite.
A Story That Inspires Others
One of the most powerful parts of Xavier’s story is his belief that opportunity is possible for anyone willing to pursue it with determination.
From moving to the United States in 1994 to leading operations for a growing restaurant group, Xavier’s journey reflects persistence, discipline, and a commitment to serving others.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, his story serves as a reminder that the strength of Kansas City’s restaurant community comes from people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. At Q39, we’re proud to celebrate those contributions and recognize the people who help shape our culture every day.
Whether guests are visiting for championship bbq, gathering with family, or looking for authentic Kansas City barbecue, the experience they enjoy is made possible by dedicated leaders like Xavier and the teams he supports.
FAQ
Who runs operations at Q39?
Xavier Echeverria, Q39 director of operations, oversees approximately 500 employees and helps lead daily operations across the restaurant group.
Where are Q39’s locations?
Q39 serves guests at four locations across the Kansas City region: Midtown Kansas City, Overland Park, Lawrence, and Lee’s Summit. The KSHB 41 feature specifically highlights Xavier Echeverria’s role in helping open the Lawrence and Lee’s Summit restaurants, further expanding the Q39 BBQ family and bringing championship bbq to more communities.
How does Q39 celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Q39 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing and highlighting team members whose backgrounds and experiences contribute to the restaurant’s culture and success.
What is Xavier Echeverria known for at Q39?
Xavier is known for his people-first leadership style, strong hospitality background, and the energy and enthusiasm he brings to team members and guests throughout Q39’s restaurants.
