Juan Carlos Cachoua – Entrepreneur
“No one is smarter than everyone”
Be grateful and loyal to those who believe in you and always honor your word. Always stay positive and look for opportunities during bad times.
I started my first business at the age of eight years old by selling candy at school to my classmates. My negotiation skills were developed at a very young age because I was driven by the desire to have my own money and not having to depend on anyone else to get everything I wanted. My friends call me the wizard because I can create something out of nothing.
I remember my first job to be at the age of 12 as Basketball coach was my first paid job at 12 y/o to train my youngest brother’s team and winning that year’s championship.
I studied Business Administration and graduated at 21 from Universidad IBERO in Mexico city.
Opened my first restaurant when I was 23. I became an experienced casual dining operator and created company owned brands as well.
I Developed Italianni’s becoming the most successful casual dining restaurant chain in Mexico for 15 years until selling our stores to a public company. Today I oversee more than 100 restaurants systemwide under different brands.
I am also in the agricultural business and started a company www.vegiexpo.com to export products to the US and Canada. I also started my own mezcal spirit brand named Santo Gusano to be launched this year along with Mezcal Bars, www.santogusano.com.mx
I’m also a real estate investor & developer launching an exciting new residential & hotel concept this year in the Brickell area.
JC what made you decide to work in the food and beverage industry?
During a family trip in Italy in the 90’s we went to Don Alfonso 1890 restaurant and I was impressed by the hospitality and passion of Chef Don Alfonso and his wife Livia Iaccarino who inspired me to become latter a restauranteur. I am also a wine lover so I always knew at some point in my life I was going to be involved in some sort of business that included enjoyining the good pleasures of life.
What does “hospitality” mean to you?
It’s the Art of entertaining your guest and exceeding their expectations. It is an industry where being generous and friendly to your visitors and guests is your main activity and pleasure.
In your experience, what is the key to developing a good restaurant concept?
To develop a good restaurant concept it’s like telling a story where every step starting from the name should be congruent within each other and increasingly exciting until the end of your visit. This implies every element of interior design, food and drink presentations, uniforms, lighting, music, etc.
Have you created an impact by doing what you love?
I believe I have created an impact when I hear a birthday celebration in any of my restaurants, when someone proposes matrimony or any other special celebration goin on. I cherish those occasions and I’m always deeply thankful for those moments. Those are the types of memories our guests never forget for the rest of their lives and all of the sudden we become part of them.
Creating jobs it’s also very gratifying, especially when you build a team that shares your principles, values and vision in life. I really want to leave this legacy to my children where doing what you love with great passion, it exalts your creativity to the maximum heights of fulfillment.
When working with your team what is more important to you – Trust, Respect or Cooperation?
Trust it’s fundamental. Trust is the foundation of any relationship whether it is personal or professional. It takes years to be built but can be lost in a second.
What would you say is the secret of your success and what advice would you give someone trying to follow your steps?
Follow your gut and then do extensive research to validate your ideas. Be grateful and loyal to those who believe in you and always honor your word. Always stay positive and look for opportunities during bad times.
You recently opened a new Restaurant “Cantina Catrina”. Can you share with us a little bit about the process of its immediate success?
At Cantina Catrina we have traditional and modern Mexican cuisine made from scratch with imported ingredients to keep its original flavors. We also have a variety of cocktails made with 100% distilled Mexican agaves.
Most importantly our dishes are served as the kitchen prepares them, this ensures their flavors and freshness.
And lastly I feel great part of our success is the uniqueness of restaurant. lt makes visitors feel like they are in Mexico, like they have been invited by La Catrina herself. Cantina Catrina’s colorful details are inspired by El Día de Los Muertos. The location a very “instagrammable” feel with bold signs, as well as walls decorated by graffiti artists. The space has a laid-back setting and vibe, encouraging anyone to stop by whether it be for lunch, brunch or a fun date night.
I invite everyone to have this unique experience, you will definitely love it!
CANTINA CATRINA RESTAURANT
Follow Us on IG: @cantinacatrina
Website: cantinacatrina.com
