David Cea began his career at Orlando’s at age 11 working with his dad and still works for the company and Caprock Café today. David graduated from Texas Tech University in 1989 with a degree in Restaurant Hotel Management.

David has worked at every level and managed at every single store we have ever opened. David is currently in charge of the operations of both Caprock Cafes and sits on the board of directors for both brands. David’s forte is recipe and menu development. David knows how to hire, train, and retain a team.  He also has extensive experience in concept design and execution. David is a hands on and in the trenches owner because he loves what he does. David has developed an extensive management team that allows him to work when he wants and have a quality of life.

David is very passionate about the industry and joined the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) on 10/25/1984.  David has been active in the TRA for 38 years. David has served as president of the Lubbock Restaurant Association three times.  He has served on the TRA board of directors for over 20 years on multiple committees both as chair and co- chair.  David has served on the executive committees for the TRA and Texas Restaurant Education Foundation. David served as the TRA Education Foundation Chairman. David was in line to be president of the TRA in 2024 but put this on hold to consider a sale of the business.

David received the prestigious TRA HALL OF HONOR award in 2015.

David is passionate about attracting and educating people of all ages to our industry especially young people. As a leader for the TRA Education Foundation, David was instrumental in establishing culinary programs in five local high schools and the  South Plains Junior College in Lubbock . David still sits on the advisory boards for some of those programs.

David is a frequent guest speaker for these culinary programs and the RHIM progun at Texas Tech

David has been involved on other local boards such as the ABR Rodeo board. David served on this board for over six years and the proceeds go to supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lubbock. David also  served on the school board for his kids private school for 4 years.