Today we’d like to introduce you to Tumara Arnett.
Hi Tumara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I never knew what I really wanted to do growing up, but I was always cooking something. I loved learning new recipes; I loved watching people cook & tasting new foods. I was a teen when the Food Network started to air, and I caught a glimpse of people cooking on TV- wow! What fun. I was especially taken back by Two Hot Tamales! After I graduated High School, I joined the United States Navy. The job class that stood out was cook, so I went through the Navy’s culinary program after bootcamp. When I was finished with the Navy, I got a job with Los Angeles Unified School District and soon became a Cafeteria Manager. At the same time, I got a part-time job at a brand-new restaurant opening in town, Joselito’s Tujunga. Soon after working there, I became a part of the family and started to help run things. Slowly, my ideals and creations would become one of the fibers that made Joselito’s Tujunga unique. We started with Margaritas that would bring in customers from far and wide like a Watermelon Margarita that is served in a personal watermelon shell or an Almond Joy Margarita- yes, just like the candy bar. Some of my latest dishes I’m most proud of are our Pure Beef Tamales, which are lard-free, and Pollo Verde Pozole. If you like Cafe De Olla, a traditional Sweetened Mexican Coffee, ours includes fresh hand-ground cinnamon. Each batch is hand-mixed by me. Joselito’s is a place that brings me so much joy, and I just what to spread that joy among the community. The Restaurant that Jose Grijalva & the family built is a large part of LA’s Mexican Food Culture, and I’m just glad to be a part of it. I’d also like to thank the non-profit Regarding Her (www.regardingherfood.org) for all the support they give female Restaurant Owners & Chefs.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s very challenging to continue working a full-time job for the school district while operating a full-service restaurant. I’m so grateful that Jose is able to put in long hours during the day. We make a great team. I’m now an Area Food Services Supervisor who helps oversee the proper operation of 34 cafeteria locations of the Los Angeles Unified School District, making sure government protocols are upheld in the individual schools. Joselito’s has been in business since 1977 and open in Tujunga since 2000. Tujunga is situated away from the bustling Downtown LA. This unique, serene location sometimes leads to it being overlooked in terms of recognition, but we love our community.
We’ve been impressed with Joselito’s Mexican Food Tujunga, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Joselito’s is a beautiful traditional family Mexican restaurant that focuses on the love of Mexican Food and the journey it took returning to California.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have a very supportive husband, Bryan Arnett, who is a very talented Emmy award-winning character designer, that allows me the freedom to spend time at Joselito’s, which can be long hours. I’m also very grateful for Jose Grijalva, who gives me creative freedom to try different things at the restaurant that haven’t been done in the past.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joselitos.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/joselitostujunga
- Facebook: www.facebook/joselitostujunga
Image Credits
Corrine Miranda
