Today we’d like to introduce you to Juana Hernandez.
Hi Juana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started La Gordita due to losing my job at the age of 45. I had worked for a great company for almost 20 years and one day, without warning, I was let go. I loved my job, so I was completely devastated and heartbroken at the time, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me in hindsight. I went a year without work, we struggled financially as a family of six, my husband, me and our four kids. I realized I was older and factories only higher older employees as temps and I didn’t want to be constantly looking for work and worrying about having an income, so I decided to do my own job. When I started La Gordita, I went into the idea of having a job for myself and not having to worry about being let go again. I never thought it would be what it is today. I have always been passionate about cooking, and I saw the need for our type of Mexican food in our area. Food that in Guanajuato, Mexico you typically find in the “Mercado.” Things like gorditas (hence the name “La Gordita”), huaraches, sopes, mulitas, filled with uncommon “guisados” like rajas, nopalitos, chicharron, chorizo, as well as all the taco shop favorites. I started La Gordita in a very small location in a strip mall of a not so great part of Vista, but over the years have been able to expand into three times our original size, adding a second location while also watching this not so great part of Vista turn into the great neighborhood it is today. I started as a one-woman show, with having my kids help out when they could for the first year or so, to being able to provide employment for dozens of people throughout the years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When construction started, we were essentially turning an office into a small restaurant. That meant a big and expensive production to meet the safety and health requirements of the county. After all that was taken care of, we were able to move onto the fun part of selling our food. Really the only obstacles we have faced were the recession and this pandemic. We started in 2002 and in 2008 the recession hit, which meant a lot of our customers were struggling and couldn’t afford the simple luxury of eating out. We were able to make it through and are currently dealing with a similar experience due to the pandemic, but luckily our customers keep have deemed our food as essential, so we are hanging in there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I think what I’m most proud of is the business I have created. When people tell me that their food reminds them of home or that our restaurant is their favorite, it makes all the hard work worth it. I love to see people’s reactions when they eat and I am aware we aren’t everyone’s tea cup. To those who understand and value our food, I am forever grateful. I also think that being an immigrant woman who started a business long before there was any type of social encouragement or acceptance sets me apart from women of my age and background. I had no training on how to run a business and had to learn along the way. I also must give credit to my God. I have a lot of faith in him to guide me and give me strength and I owe a lot of credit to him and my faith in him.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The climate defiantly. I also love that San Diego has a little bit of everything here, mountains, beaches, desert, and city. There is always a new place to explore, and every part of the city is different, so while we all have common San Diegan traits, each neighborhood is different and unique. I also love the incredible diversity we have. You constantly meet people from different backgrounds and learn about their traditions and culture. I also love how green our city is and the effort our people make to keep it a clean and beautiful city. It’s just a great place to live, play, work and visit.
Pricing:
- Gorditas $3.95-4.29
- Sopes $4.25
- California Burrito $8.50
Contact Info:
- Email: lagorditamexicanvista@gmail.com
- Instagram: lagorditamxfood
- Facebook: La Gordita Mexican Food
Image Credits
Denise Hernandez
