We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Melendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico, My Dad, Uncles, Aunts, all had their own businesses so I always had that entrepreneurship mentality of making it happen for yourself instead of making others rich, however, for me? It took for me to literally be homeless and without options to embark on the entrepreneurship journey and make it happen for my kids and family.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Currently I own Melendez Catering Services, we are the only Latino Own Full-Staffed Catering that offers a One-Stop-Shop Experience in Northeast Ohio. We Specialize in Latino & Classic Americana Cuisines.

When I started this business, I was literally living in my car, I realized that I needed to do something in order to be able to have a roof over my head and a safe place for my children, so, I guess you could say, Food Saved My Life…. I had the opportunity to present my food at an expo, was hired for a couple of weddings and the rest was history, was able to get my apartment, furnish it , help them with College Tuition and related expenses. It definitely wasn’t easy, but with the help of my wife we have been able to reach heights we never imagined.

When Pandemic hit, everything stopped, I didn’t know what to do. Thank God for the government help for small businesses because thanks to them funds I was able to open “Twisted Taino Restaurant”. a Puerto Rican Restaurant that featured a modern take on traditional flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America. Today, we have re branded Twisted Taino to “Hot Nachitas Taqueria” the first Quick Service Taqueria in Parma, Ohio, Melendez Catering is still going strong catering Social Events, Corporate, Private Gatherings and more.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a hard question just because we Chefs don’t have a social life haha. If my best friend was in Cleveland for a week I would definitely take him out to a Guardians Game, visit the Cleveland Zoo, I’m a foodie so would take him to my favorite restaurants: “Barroco”, Seafood & Drinks at “La Playa Mexican Restaurant”, a trip to CentroVilla25 and check out all the different Kiosks, have some drinks & watch games at Dina’s in Old Brooklyn.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a BIG Shot out to my wife “Chef Cristina” Melendez, she has been the backbone to all my crazy ideas, supporting me all the way regardless if she thinks is a good idea or not, without her I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Website: https://MelendezCatering.com

Instagram: @Chef_Melendez

Image Credits
Photo by: Omar Melendez (Imagine That Photography)

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