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

Hi Juan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m originally from Guatemala and my partner is from Oaxaca Mexico has always been a dream to come to the United States of America to work hard to be someone in life have our businesses and help our loved ones in our country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The first challenge was to learn the language; continue school and keep working at the same time. I appreciate my Aunt Herlinda Morales who opened his house and treated me as her son. My goal was to learn about the restaurant industry it was my first job and loved it. The second is what it takes to create your own business. The most challenging part I believe was the long hours and not having my transportation. But there more about it

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 will take him to the Dodgers Stadium, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, metro cafe, and other restaurants.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I want to thank God for allowing me to have such wonderful parents to guide me and teach me the principles of life. When I arrived in the United States of America we encountered such wonderful people who opened their arms to help us achieve our dreams. I will have to mention the California Pizza Kitchen bill, Snodgrass, and Cafe Vida their owners Luis Castaneda Francisco Cornejo and Marcelo Morola.

Website: https://www.cafe-belen.com

Instagram: Cafe belen Santa monica

Facebook: Cafe belen Santa monica

Yelp: Cafe belen

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