Meet Juan José “El Gringo” Orlandoni | Grill Master & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan José “El Gringo” Orlandoni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan José “El Gringo”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When my father, Juan, first started grilling—or doing “asados”—in 2009, he wasn’t thinking about starting a business. As a recent immigrant from Argentina, he simply did what felt authentic and natural to him. He didn’t conduct market research or draft a formal business plan. Instead, he instinctively recognized that the Argentinean community in Los Angeles longed for a taste of home and a way to celebrate gaucho culture.

In a city known for Hollywood stars, my father proudly showcased his own roots. Dressed in traditional gaucho attire, he would bring his old grill wherever it was needed, turning any gathering into a true Argentinean asado. What began as a passion for sharing our culture gradually grew into something bigger. For years, we saw asados as a joyful way to connect with people, but only recently did we start viewing it as a business.

At its core, our journey has always been about authenticity, tradition, and bringing people together—one fire, one meal, and one fire at a time.

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.
What sets us apart from an international steakhouse chain is our deep, personal connection to gaucho culture and tradition. We don’t translate or adapt the Argentinean asado to fit an expected mold—we let the flavors, the fire, and the time-honored “estaca” grilling techniques speak for themselves. Our goal is to transmit the generous and authentic spirit of the asado, just as it has been done for generations.

Keeping the fire going—both literally and figuratively—has been our greatest challenge and our greatest pride. My father, Juan “El Gringo” Orlandoni, started this journey by doing what he loved. He didn’t follow a traditional business plan, seek investors, or try to fit into a predefined category. He simply had an old grill, an unwavering passion for asados, and a desire to share our culture. Over time, that passion turned into something greater—something that resonated deeply with others.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the delicate balance between being a family-run business rooted in traditional fire cooking and operating in a fast-paced, modern city like Los Angeles. At times, it felt like we didn’t fit the “refined” or “polished” look we assumed people expected. My siblings and I debated whether we needed to adapt, to modernize our approach. But my father always stood firm—fighting for authenticity, for tradition, for the true essence of an asado. And in the end, he was right.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. As an immigrant family, we faced countless challenges—starting from scratch, building our name, and proving ourselves in a competitive city. But we overcame them by staying true to who we are and leaning on the unwavering support of our community. We’ve learned that authenticity wins. When something is done with heart, people recognize it.

What we want the world to know is that we’re not just serving food—we’re sharing a story, a tradition, and a piece of our heritage. When we grill an asado, we are chasing the thrill of that perfect, mouthwatering bite—one you’ll remember forever. And as we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to honor our roots and share the beauty of Argentine asado with as many people as possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my oldest best friend were visiting from Argentina, I’d want to show her both the exciting, modern side of LA and its stunning natural areas. When it comes to food, I’d steer clear of tourist traps and take her to the places that truly represent the city’s diversity—Hispanic street vendors and immigrant-owned small businesses offering flavors from all over the world.

We’d start by seeing the Hollywood Sign, making sure to grab an esquite from one of the vendors nearby. Then, we’d take in the view from Griffith Observatory before heading to one of my favorite taco spots, Bee Taquería. In Venice Beach, we’d soak up the laid-back vibe and enjoy some incredible Peruvian ceviche at El Huarique. One day, we’d explore Melrose and Rodeo Drive, then finish with smash burgers at Smash’n SFV. And, of course, no trip would be complete without a hike to Switzer Falls, followed by a well-earned plate of anticuchos (Peruvian-style grilled skewers) from my favorite street food spot, Punku.

This would be the perfect mix of LA’s energy, flavors, and nature—an experience as vibrant and unforgettable as the city itself.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and I would love to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the Argentinean community of Los Angeles. Your unwavering support and encouragement have meant everything to us. Thank you for recognizing our craft, celebrating our efforts, and embracing the traditions we hold so dear. We are honored every time you invite us into your homes and trust us with your most cherished celebrations. If it weren’t for your appreciation of gaucho culture and your pride in your roots, we wouldn’t be able to live out my father’s dream.

And finally, my siblings and I want to thank our father, Juan “El Gringo” Orlandoni, for showing us that true happiness isn’t measured by money or success, but by living boldly, fearlessly, and authentically. His passion is the heart of everything we do.

Website: https://thegauchoscatering.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegauchoscatering/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gauchos-catering-acton