Today we’d like to introduce you to Allan Tijerino.
Allan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m the founder of Latin Munchies Florida’s Grill LLC in Morristown, TN. Known for the best Spanish food in town. We specialize in a mixture of Cuban and Nicaraguan food. What started as a project out of a food truck, now we cater to businesses, weddings, graduations, and any other special events. We partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations including expanding to surrounding cities.
Before devoting my life to Latin Munchies, I served for 12 years for major reputable companies such as American Express Business and NBC Xfinity Comcast in Sales and Marketing as a consultant where I discovered the love and passion of networking, business, and strategies for company’s branding and growth.
I have positioned myself in the top 20% central region, 9X Elite, 7X Executive club winner, and 5X MVP. Previous to this, I was a manager at a condominium running day-to-day operations, leading and coaching a team along with additional departments. I also obtain a bachelor of Science in Criminology degree from American Intercontinental University in the state of Florida back in 2008.
Previous to my success, my family and I migrated to the United States at the age of 5 from Managua Nicaragua. Raised in New York City, lower Manhattan, the Jacob Riis projects, 10th St, and Ave D better known as the Alphabet City. A child who has endured many emotional challenges with expectations of failing. A survivor of bullying, illiteracy, abuse, and suicide.
Raised by a neglect single father who later married Jamilet Urbina a Registered Nurse who became the best mother figure and role model and who made me believe everything and anything is possible. I have always dreamed big but didn’t have the opportunity to grow due to a lack of confidence, self-esteem, and past traumas.
Finally at the age of 22 years old, after the Twins Towers attacked, 9-11 in NYC with $200 in my pocket, I took a bus to Miami Florida with no plans of returning. Signed up for school and was able to graduate and obtained my bachelor’s in Science in Criminology, in 2008. I was able to gain confidence and work on my personal growth, emotional intelligence, spirit, and mind.
A kid once asked Tom Brady who was his Hero. And he replied his “DAD.” My hero’s are my two children. Dylan Tijerino and Allan Tijerino JR. They keep me busy and out of trouble. I did a life change because of them. They keep me on track and force me to never give up in life even in moments of weakness.
In 2021 in the middle of COVID, I decided with the courage to leave my toxic relationships filled with domestic violence abuse and head out to Tennessee with my 15 yr old son. Took the risk of forming my own LLC and applying my experiences and skills. Today there’s no looking back or regrets. Selling out from different parts of surrounding cities and continuing to grow with bookings and special events within months of opening. Never give up, dream big, take action, and swim through the negative people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been an easy road nor smooth. There’s been many setbacks and challenges. Lonely days and sad days. No one will work as hard as you when forming your dreams. The one’s you love most expect you to give up or fail.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Latin Munchies Florida’s Grill?
I love what I do. Hard work but it’s worth it. I managed everything from developing and training to closing deals for special events. Proud of my brand and what we have accomplished over a short period of time. We are the only Cubans and Nicaraguan food around so there isn’t any competition.
The rest of the industry is very similar to one another but nothing like us. We are known for our authentic dishes such as Valenciana Rice, Cuban steak sandwiches, empanadas, and pastelitos. We will be having two additional cooks coming from Florida to articulate new and improved dishes.
What’s next?
As far as future plans, we plan to have our own location and continue running the catering side of the business along with having the food truck continue its miles in town and surrounding cities. We love our name and logo and we truly believe we have something very special that can take us to the big leagues. We contribute to the community and partner with bigger companies that request our business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @LatinMunchiesTn
- Facebook: @LatinMunchiesTn
Image Credits
1907 Brewing Company, Hola Sankofa, Center City of Morristown, and Morristown Police Department
