Father Luis Lezama
Founder of the Lezama Foundation.
Father Luis de Lezama: Priest, Journalist, and Social Entrepreneur
Father Luis de Lezama, a Basque Catholic priest and journalist, was the visionary founder of Fundación Iruaritz Lezama and Grupo Lezama. His legacy intertwines social responsibility with culinary excellence, creating one of the world’s most successful high-end restaurant chains. Grupo Lezama operates nearly 20 establishments across Spain and two in the United States—in Washington, D.C., and Seattle.
Born with a profound commitment to helping others, Lezama joined the priesthood in 1962, serving a small town 63 kilometres from Madrid. His early ministry was marked by a deep focus on aiding the poor and marginalised. By the 1970s, he was caring for around 20 disadvantaged youths, struggling to find sustainable ways to support them. It was then that someone suggested he open a restaurant—a decision that would change countless lives.
In 1974, Lezama founded the Taberna del Alabardero in collaboration with the young people under his care. This initiative laid the foundation for Grupo Lezama, a unique venture combining social reintegration with culinary artistry. The restaurant served as a shelter and training ground, employing orphans and teaching them the skills of the hospitality industry. Proceeds from the restaurant supported his foundation, which provided resources and opportunities for underprivileged children.
The Taberna del Alabardero quickly gained popularity as a dining destination, proving that social enterprise and business success could go hand in hand. As Lezama often said, borrowing wisdom attributed to Jesus Christ and Confucius, “Don’t give them fish; teach them how to fish.” His approach prioritised rehabilitation and opportunity for troubled youth, including those in conflict with the law.
Lezama’s compassion and innovative leadership were evident in his response to challenges. He recalled an incident where a young waiter was caught stealing. Rather than involving the police, Lezama reassigned him to the kitchen, where close supervision and mentorship helped the boy regain trust and develop new skills.
Beyond his pastoral and entrepreneurial achievements, Lezama had an illustrious career in journalism. He studied Information Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid, specialising in radio, television, and media. As a journalist, he worked for the EFE news agency and prominent outlets like Cadena SER and COPE. His exceptional reporting earned him the prestigious International Ondas Award in 1972.
Lezama’s journalistic career also saw him cover significant international events. He reported from the frontlines of the Six-Day War in 1967, where he was injured in the Golan Heights, and conducted high-profile interviews, including one with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. He was also a witness to the tragic plane crash involving the Uruguayan rugby team in the Andes.
Father Luis de Lezama passed away peacefully on 11 January 2025 in Madrid. His life stands as a testament to the power of compassion, innovation, and the enduring impact of combining purpose with action.