Meet Nayomie Mendoza | Small Restaurant Chain Owner

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

Hi Nayomie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve acquired this question from my Father “are you willing to risk it for momentary pain?”. My family has now had the company for a little over a decade. I was a broke college student and if I’m honest my bank account was in the negatives every other day. I had the opportunity to keep working for someone else or to join alongside my family and expand the vision. There was a small factor, I was a shy personality. I’d help my family with accounting here and there. I’d do all the behind the scenes work but I’d never interact with people. The opportunity rolled around three weeks before my 21st birthday and any normal 21 year old would go live it up but I had to deny myself to that in order to build what is now “Cuernavaca’s Grill”. A week before my birthday we launched our opening, I was still broke. Broker than ever, it all happened so fast. I was in heavy debt with my parents but in the midst of a pandemic, we are still up and running. Had I not pushed all my fear aside and taken the risk who knows where I’d be. As mentioned a regular 21 year old would go out and live it up on their 21st birthday, I had to sacrifice. I had to step out of my comfort zone, I was a shy personality- I am in Downtown LA where you meet people from all over the world. It wasn’t easy I would cry on the drive to LA, I was unmotivated to finish up my degree, at a point I wanted to file the company as a denture before I fully took over but it’s all momentary pain- once you see the result you’ll reap tears of joy instead.All it takes is that leap of faith so now I ask “Are you willing to risk it for momentary pain?”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The reason behind my success is my family. I strive hard for them and it wasn’t easy at all. I often joke about how the pain this company has put me through is equal to the pain of a heart ache and it’s true. This company by far has given me the deepest cry it hurt and I still break down from time to time. It’s not always easy. I’ve had to learn from trial and error. I’ve cried myself to sleep and got up the next morning to put a professional face in front of my clients and employees. I’ve learned that it doesn’t get easier but the challenges you’re currently facing are equipping you for what’s to come. They say business and family don’t mix and it’s the worst idea but we’ve had a fair balance and it’s brought us closer than ever. I want people to know that unity is the foundation of this company. I’ve watched families come together, have an authentic Mexican dish, and laugh for hours, I love that- that is what our company stands for. Customers frequently order our “molcajete” it feeds a family of four and the family is basically eating out of the same dish, I love it that’s unity. I mean how much closer can you get? You’re eating out of the same dish! Our company will always stand for unity and it’s true, food can really bring you together. I want the world to know that we’re more than your typical Mexican restaurant, we stand for unity. I’m a Latina in business and my vision is to see unity in a world of division.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from Long Beach, CA not too far from Los Angeles but I’ve fallen in love with Los Angeles and the atmosphere, you never know who you’re going to meet. A world traveler, aspiring actress, influencers, I love connecting with people. Of course I would take them to “Cuernavaca’s Grill” for a nice meal Sky Space LA for entertainment or a walk down the Fashion District you can never go wrong with the Fashion District, they always have something going on!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to credit to my friends and family. My friends and family have been constant support and they’ve spoken life over me time and time again. They constantly point me back to my faith and do not let me dismay. All the accolades I’ve obtained are because of my strong foundation.

Instagram: Instagram.com/cuernavacasgrill_
Facebook: Facebook.com/cuernavacasgrill
Other: Cuernavaca’s Grill Los Angeles: 429 E. 11th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213)441-7410 Long Beach: 823 E. South St. Long Beach, CA 90805 (562)422-0559