Hidden Gems: Meet Nayomie Mendoza of Cuernavaca’s Grill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nayomie Mendoza.

Hi Nayomie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Cuernavaca’s Grill was founded by my parents 17 years ago. My parents migrated from Mexico in search for their American Dream, in search to expand and grow the next generation. My sister and I spent our childhood at the restaurant. We would fall asleep on top of flour sacks, watch our parents cook, and if it was extremely busy we would wash dishes. Eventually, we grew up and started working for tips but tips only did so much, so we expanded our menu. More money came in. We both went off to college and started business.

I then started working for a business management team. I did accounting, some marketing, clerical work, I did it all and I would help businesses grow and I got the nudge to start working for my family again. The chapter with the business management team closed, that chapter propelled me to four years ago, Cuernavaca’s Grill in the Fashion District.

I have now been running the restaurant for four years. After fully taking ownership, we’ve survived a global pandemic, our restaurant has been featured by the Food Network, we’ve participated in the “Taste of the NFL”, we were on Times Square, literal Times Square, and numerous Media sources such as Univision, Telemundo, KTLA5, Etc.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth but it has been definitely rewarding. I grew up watching my Dad knock on doors, get through the doors, and then get let down because he didn’t have his citizenship. He is the hardest-working man I know and I’ve acquired many of my business skills from him. I love business, I love the community, I love watching things grow. I grew up thinking that one day I’d take over and the doors would magically open because I am a U.S. Citizen, unfortunately I was in for a rude awakening. In fact, I’ve had to work 10x harder. I am a woman, a woman of color. Though it hasn’t been a smooth road, I know that any obstacle I face is only making it easier for my next generation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cuernavaca’s Grill ?
Cuernavaca’s Grill has recently expanded and we are so proud. We specialize in Authentic Mexican Dishes. We make everything from scratch from the tortillas to our infamous Chiles Rellenos. Our Chiles were featured by the Food Network, We like to joke around and call ourselves “Your Local Chile Relleno Dealer”. Though we are known for our Authentic Chiles Rellenos, our biggest pride is our community. Our community’s support has kept our doors open. A win for us is a win for the community. Our goal is to give the community a taste of their native land. As mentioned, my parents migrated in search for their American Dream and they missed their native land. Through food, they were able to get a taste, to feel like they were transported back to Mexico. Because not everyone has the luxury of returning to their native land, we aim to provide an environment that transports you back.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am the biggest introvert but forced extrovert. I spent my life contemplating if I should raise my hand to ask the question and my hands would sweat when it would come to popcorn reading in school. I was on a panel this past year and interview after interview, I realized that what I was doing was opening doors for the community. I’ve slowly broken out of my comfort zone out of my love for the community, out of my love for the future generation. My goal is to continue, I hope that the next generation has it easier than I did and that many more opportunities are created for the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cuernavacasgrill.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cuernavacasgrill_

Image Credits
Sofia and Alex Felguerezfoto!