Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Cueva.
From dishwasher to restaurateur, Jorge’s success is no accident. With 12 restaurants, a catering company and a handful of food trucks on his resume that totals over 25 years in the industry, you’d think he’d be slowing down soon, but he’s just getting started.
As owner and founder of Orange County’s 2017 Restaurant of the Year Tempo Urban Kitchen and Little Italy San Diego’s new King and Queen Cantina, his concepts exemplify modern Mexican cuisine with a different spin. He tastefully combines seven foodie categories into one menu making it so whatever you’re craving is available. Asian fusion and French and Italian influences fill the menu with a Mexican sushi concept on the way. “I go against the rules,” Jorge states. “I’m just crazy.” He attributes his creativity to his “mucho loco” attitude. Through his travels around the world and attempting to try 10 new restaurants a week, he gets inspired by his taste buds.
When you’re living out your passion, Jogrge expresses that it’s just different. “Everyone says, ‘Why do you work so much?’ but I don’t feel like I’m working,” he says about sipping a glass of wine while conversing with his customers. He’s a people person. “I don’t have friends; my friends are my customers.” Each time he opens a restaurant, Jorge says he immerses himself in that community, truly getting to know the locals that come through the door. From playing golf with them to naming cocktails after his regulars, it’s all about the customers to him.
But, what is the most important ingredient? “Work ethic,” he says. “Never give up, never take ‘no’ for an answer and have passion and drive.” This hard-working mentality comes from his father; it’s in his genes. Jorge says his dad, Enrique, was an entrepreneurial hustler, a real workhorse. Seeing that example and working alongside him starting as young as 8 years old prepared him and continues to inspire him today.
This soon-to-be global phenomenon is set to roll out even more locations in the next coming years. Get ready for a new Tempo Urban Kitchen location expanding the border in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico plus two locations of ‘Tempo Cantina’ opening in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. No matter what location you are dining in Southern California or south of the border, you bet you will receive out-of-this-world service and fresh, flavorful cuisine. “I just wanted to be different—authentic Mexican food with a twist.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It always comes down to the errors you make and take them as a learning experience to grow.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Jorge Cueva’s over 25 years in the industry reflects that restaurants are his passion. Cueva has been a top executive for Daphne’s Greek Café and Sharky’s Woodfire Mexican Grill while also opening multiple Italian restaurants, food trucks and a catering company up and down Southern California’s coast. His Tempo Urban Kitchen recently won Orange County’s Restaurant of the Year with its full-of-flavor menu and enticing cocktails. His new King and Queen Cantina concept in Little Italy is a must-visit for excellent food and an even better high-energy atmosphere. Plus, he was named one of Modern Luxury’s Top 5 Power Players of Orange County.
I am proud of the customer service we deliver at my restaurants; we make you feel like family.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a hard worker, from the dishwasher to cook. I always tried to be the best no matter what the task was.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1490 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101
- Website: www.kingandqueencantina.com
- Phone: 619 756 7864
- Email: jorge@kingandqueencantina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingandqueencantina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingandqueencantina/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/king-and-queen-cantina-san-diego
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