Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Barry R. Patel, CEO of Ruby Red Hospitality and Perspective Hospitality Management Services, was awarded the prestigious Golden Eagle by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during their annual Noche de Gala – A Night in Bloom, held on May 15, 2025. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, business success, and community involvement have impacted the Rio Grande Valley.
As the final and highest honor of the evening, the Golden Eagle was presented in recognition of Patel’s decades-long contributions to the region. Originally trained as a pharmacist, Patel transitioned into the hospitality sector after earning degrees from the University of Bradford in England and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He launched his first hotel project—a Ramada Inn on South Padre Island—while still living in New York, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would help reshape the region’s hospitality landscape.
Over the years, Patel has developed more than 30 hotels and motels across the Rio Grande Valley, including nine properties on South Padre Island. These ventures have generated more than $600 million in economic impact and created over 800 full-time jobs. Notable developments include the Embassy Suites by Hilton in McAllen, the Courtyard by Marriott on South Padre Island, and the Aloft Hotel at the McAllen Convention Center.
Patel expressed deep appreciation for the honor and the community in his acceptance remarks. “Cynthia, and all the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board members, I am deeply honored and truly grateful for this recognition you have bestowed upon me,” he said. “I’ve lived in many places and met many people, but never have I experienced a community like the one I’ve found here in the Rio Grande Valley.” Cynthia Zakulenski is the President of the RGV Hispanic Chamber.
Patel emphasized that his business success has always been rooted in strong relationships and teamwork. “The friendships we’ve built and the projects we’ve accomplished would have been impossible without the incredible people in this region,” he said. “To everyone who has supported us through the years—thank you. That includes our partners, our employees, and the financial institutions that have stood by us through thick and thin.”
His contributions to the community extend beyond business. Patel is a committed supporter of various nonprofit and civic organizations, including Catholic Charities, Sea Turtle, Inc., Friends of Animal Rescue, and the U.S. Border Patrol. In 2018, his philanthropic and civic work was recognized with an induction into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame.
Patel’s family has been closely involved in his entrepreneurial journey. “My family has grown alongside my business,” he noted during his speech. “I’m proud to have my wife, father-in-law, and brother-in-law with me tonight. My son and his wife were here earlier—our grandkids had to head back because they’ve got school in the morning.”
Under his leadership, Ruby Red Hospitality has continued to evolve, expanding into dining and entertainment with ventures such as Bar Louie on South Padre Island. Patel is also pursuing software development and retail projects, reflecting a diversified business strategy that builds on his longstanding success.
“I’m humbled to be recognized tonight among so many incredible people,” he said in closing. “Thank you all, and God bless.”
Barry Patel’s recognition with the Golden Eagle Award highlights his accomplishments as a business leader and his dedication to improving the lives of others in South Texas through investment, employment, and community engagement.
Written by Roberto Hugo Gonzáles, the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner and the 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.
