Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Fernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My wife and I come from the Latin music industry. We’ve always had a passion for food and entertainment.
We decided a few years back to move to GA from Miami, FL in order to open up a unique Cuban dining experience to a new “audience”.
In 2006, we moved to Gwinnett County, and in 2008 we opened Mojito’s. for the first few years we were playing all roles including line cook, purchasing, receiving, janitorial, host, server, bartender, human resources etc.
We especially enjoyed performing for our patrons every Friday and Saturday night. After a few years and some tough lessons, we have been able to enjoy healthy growth and are now working towards expanding…
Has it been a smooth road?
There is no such thing as a smooth road in the world of entrepreneurship…
In the past, the adage used to be “location, location, location.” For us it’s been more like “cashflow, cashflow, cashflow.” With a constant fluctuation in beef/produce pricing, not to mention the collapse of the economy in 2008 (our inaugural year) and dealing with an everchanging economy, we found that the biggest challenge to overcome is keeping up with business side of things.
The easy part is to sing, dance, cook, and serve our patrons!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mojito’s Cuban-American Bistro is the new authority on AUTHENTIC, CLASSIC CUBAN CUISINE. We are most known by our guests as a legitimate Cuban restaurant, because we take absolutely no shortcuts in the kitchen.
We take pride in the consistency of our meals, as for the past 10 years we have had the same staff in our kitchen (maybe because it’s mom cooking back there?)
We not only provide a great culinary product, but we include the audio (live Cuban music) every weekend.
You get to taste, hear, and see the real experience of Cuba in the 1950’s.
Our mojitos are always made from scratch, and never with anything other than fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh mints muddled with “tough love” and the closest legal Cuban rum available in the States!
You will also only find the best Guava Cheesecake in the world in our restaurant. Made daily in our kitchen and often imitated.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think it’s never been a better time to start out. There are plenty of resources, legal or otherwise that are available to most anyone that is looking. Most local municipalities have a Business Development Authority and with the internet, it is easier than ever to obtain information. The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, and the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber are also great resources.
Contact Info:
- Address: 35 S Peachtree Street,
Norcross, GA 30071 - Website: www.mojitosbistro.com
- Phone: 770-441-2599
- Email: yo@mojitosbistro.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mojitos-cuban-american-bistro-norcross?osq=Cuban
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
