Art
Latin American art and creative expression integrated into the physical experience.
A Legacy Venture Founded by Yovanna Reiser
CHIMOLE®
Art Gallery • Wine & Tapas Bar • Cultural Experience
Historic Downtown Leesburg, Virginia | 2012–2018
A historical venture, no longer in operation — preserved here as an award-winning chapter in the entrepreneurial journey behind YMR Holdings LLC.
Introduction
More Than a Restaurant
CHIMOLE® was created as more than a restaurant. It was an immersive celebration of Latin American heritage that brought together original art, authentic cuisine, wine, music, cultural traditions, family history, and community under one roof.
Founded by Yovanna Reiser in historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, CHIMOLE became a recognized destination for food, culture, art, entertainment, and community.
Entrepreneurship
Built From an Idea
Founder • Owner • Executive Chef
Yovanna Reiser conceived and developed the CHIMOLE® concept from the ground up — designing the brand, the experience, the operating model, and the culinary program, then leading the team that delivered it daily.
The work was systems thinking and experience design as much as hospitality: translating an idea into repeatable processes, a distinct brand, and a place people returned to.
01
Business concept and strategy
02
Brand and customer experience
03
Restaurant operations
04
Processes and procedures
05
Menu and culinary concepts
06
Art gallery experience
07
Cultural programming
08
Events and entertainment
09
Vendor relationships
10
Staffing and team management
11
Community partnerships
12
Marketing and brand development
The Experience
Art • Culture • Cuisine • Community
Culture
Music, traditions, cultural events, storytelling, and Latin American heritage.
Cuisine
Authentic culinary experiences developed and led by Yovanna as Executive Chef.
Community
A gathering place in downtown Leesburg where people from different backgrounds could experience culture, food, music, and connection.
Recognition
Recognition & Milestones
- 2013
Rising Star Award
12th Annual Leesburg Business Awards
- 2013
Named Among the 50 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia
Recognition record to be verified
- 2014
The National Female Small Business Owner of the Year
Minority Chamber of Commerce — 14th Annual National Minority Gala Award Ceremony — Washington, DC — November 21, 2014
- 2017
Chef Representing Honduras — Embassy Chef Challenge
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center — Washington, DC
- 2017
Participating Chef — Citi Open
Citi Open — Washington, DC
- 2017
Special Television Guest
Good Morning Washington
Historical accomplishments provided by the founder. Award names, organizations, dates and references are editable and pending verification against original documentation prior to publication.
Archive
Press & Recognition
A flexible archive for original articles, television appearances, award photographs, certificates, event programs, menus and promotional materials as they are supplied.
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Newspaper Coverage
Publication to be confirmed • 2012–2018
Local and regional print coverage of CHIMOLE®.
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Magazine Feature
Northern Virginia Magazine • 2013
Book a Staycation in Leesburg — feature coverage mentioning CHIMOLE® as part of the Leesburg food-and-drink scene.
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Television Appearance
Good Morning Washington • 2017
Special television guest segment.
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The National Female Small Business Owner of the Year
Minority Chamber of Commerce — 14th Annual National Minority Gala Award Ceremony • 2014
Yovanna Reiser, President of CHIMOLE® in Leesburg, was awarded The National Female Small Business Owner of the Year by the Minority Chamber of Commerce at the 14th Annual National Minority Gala Award Ceremony on November 21, 2014 in Washington, DC. She received the award for her dedication to promoting diversity with excellence in the achievement of results in her community, and for reflecting the priorities of the multicultural effects in America, breadth of impact, while demonstrating key leadership competencies and excellence in citizen-focused service delivery.
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Embassy Chef Challenge — Representing Honduras
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center / eventsDC • May 2017
Chef Yovanna Reiser represented the Embassy of Honduras at the Embassy Chef Challenge at the Ronald Reagan Center. The event featured chefs from participating embassies presenting signature dishes to showcase their country's cuisine and culture.
Embassy Chef Showcase at the Citi Open
Citi Open / eventsDC • August 3, 2017
CHIMOLE® was selected as one of five chefs from the Embassy Chef Challenge to participate in the Embassy Chef Showcase at the Citi Open, Washington, DC's annual professional tennis tournament. The showcase took place on Thursday, August 3 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., featuring participating embassies including Barbados, Chile, Honduras, Philippines and Peru.
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Events & Special Guest
CHIMOLE® archive • 2012–2018
Special events, cultural programming, guest appearances and community gatherings hosted at CHIMOLE®.
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Historical Menus & Promotional Materials
CHIMOLE® archive • 2012–2018
Original event flyers, promotional pieces and product features from the CHIMOLE® years — Latin Night Fridays, Rumba Nights, Flamenco Night, Karaoke Nights, gallery openings, New Year's Eve celebrations, and featured wines, cigars and cuisine.
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Gallery
The CHIMOLE® Years
Authentic photographs from 2012–2018. Select a frame to view it larger.
The Through-Line
From CHIMOLE® to YMR Holdings
CHIMOLE demonstrated a philosophy that continues throughout YMR today: meaningful transformation happens when creativity, people, culture, systems, experience, and purpose come together.
The lessons gained through building and operating CHIMOLE became part of a much broader body of experience spanning business transformation, entrepreneurship, wellness, human performance, retail, art, consulting, technology, and innovation.
The businesses have evolved. The principle has remained: create meaningful experiences, build better systems, and transform what is possible.
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