Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie and Michael Otero.
Hi Nathalie and Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We started our food truck adventure shortly after the COVID pandemic. I’ve always had a passion for food and for cooking. Everything I know about cooking is traditional and classic to homemade Cuban cuisine taught to me by all of the older women in my life. I mentioned to my husband, Michael, a few times about my dream of one day owning a small family run restaurant but never really put much thought or action to it. Then about a year later my husband takes me to see a food trailer that had just been renovated at a friend’s shop and little to my surprise that was our food trailer. He silently worked on this project for over a year and surprised me with my little dream! Together with my husband’s very outgoing personality and charismatic energy and my delicious food we brought Juicy Leo’s to life. We’ve created a unique Cuban food experience for those that have never tasted our food and at the same time offered those that have, a cool twist on some of our traditional sandwiches and plates. We’ve had the unconditional support and dedication from our daughter/niece Mya (My Mini Me”) since day one and the love and support of our family, friends and community so we feel all of that combined has attributed to our success. The Orlando community has accepted us and we are eternally grateful for that. Today we can proudly celebrate that my husband beat the odds when a system told him he could never be a positive and productive member of society and that we’ve reached so many people in every walk of life imaginable with something so simple and humbling as culture and food. We’re proud to be Cuban American and share all of the wonderful elements of our culture through food which has always been the international language . As a result of this amazing trip we’ve been on so far, we have been blessed with the opportunity to embark on our next journey which will be a Cuban cafe in the SoDo area on Kuhl Ave named, “La Casita Cafe”. We are excited and honored to share this journey with the Corredor & Himes family in 2026.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As any small business owner and first time business owner there has been many obstacles, mistakes and lessons along the way. When Juicy Leo’s first opened we would spend 12-14 hour days in the food truck and make the bare minimum. We later learned thanks to our great friends Liz and Stephanie at Food Trucks Crazy, that the wiser option is to move around and capture audiences all around your city. We had to recreate our menu a few times until we found what our community loved. We learned about travel expenses in our industry and how it’s ok to say “No” at times when an event isn’t going to be profitable to your business. However greater than those issues, we believe the greatest challenge has been being great parents and running a successful business at the same time. It’s a bit tough and stressful at times but trust us it’s definitely doable!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Juicy Leo’s is a Cuban American family operated food truck that serves a variety of Cuban cuisine such as our famous Honey Cuban, La Minuta sandwich, our viral Fireballs, the Tostone Explosion and many other Cuban sandwiches and dishes all with a twist. My husband and I strive to be the best at what we do always. Our goal is to remain humble, welcoming and always provide each customer with a delicious experience, a good laugh and the desire to come see us every time they’re in the mood for some Cuban food. Juicy Leo’s truly is mobile so we are available for all types of events, parties, corporate functions and catering needs. We offer customized menus to fit any concept and most of all we’re here to help, so if you think it, I’m almost positive I can make it happen!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My husband and I are always open to great business ideas, collaborations and partnerships. If you’re an event coordinator or handle special events, please contact us! If you’re a fellow food trucker and would like to do a collab or you’re a foodie or blogger please reach out! We’re always open to create content and have our food evaluated. Our customers, friends and community can always support us by coming out and eating with us whenever we’re in your area and of course follow us on our social media pages to always be informed of what Juicy Leo’s has going on. You can find us on Instagram at Juicyleos407 and on Facebook at Juicy Leo’s
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicyleos407?igsh=MXU0N2h3bHNrcG82Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AKxqz4s4g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
