Today we’d like to introduce you to JOSÉ MARTINEZ.
Hi JOSÉ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is José Martínez, and I’m from Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
It all began when I was a child, helping my grandfather in his small restaurant and in his mechanic shop in the town of Fajardo. I still remember clearly roasting whole pigs when I was just 7 years old — that’s when I developed a deep passion for cooking and learning everything about it.
At the same time, I was also drawn to mechanics, since my grandfather owned another business, a tire shop, where I also worked. By the time I reached 10th grade, I decided to focus on auto mechanics, studied it, and graduated in 12th grade.
After that, I worked for different companies such as Western Auto and Pep Boys until, in 2001, I decided to study Culinary Arts in Fajardo, Puerto Rico — all while continuing to work in the mechanical field.
In 2005, I decided to move to the United States in search of new opportunities. I began working at U-Haul as a Quality Control Supervisor. In the evenings, I also worked at a restaurant called Iron Hill Brewery as a dishwasher, since it was the only position available at the time.
One day, the person in charge of the grill line didn’t show up for work. I offered to help, and the chef, impressed by my skills in the kitchen, gave me the opportunity to move out of the dishwashing area and into the kitchen. He quickly realized I could prepare and plate dishes with both speed and quality, and started moving me around different stations so I could continue learning and gaining experience in all areas of the kitchen.
All the while, I had a dream in mind—to open my own business. An opportunity arose in Puerto Rico to rent a location in Fajardo and open a restaurant called Caribbean Chef. While working in the U.S., I was saving money to make it happen.
Eventually, I returned to Puerto Rico to start the project, but I found that my shipment of supplies had been delayed and never arrived. This made it impossible to open the restaurant, and I ended up losing the business.
Back in the United States, I began working for a hotel company in Pennsylvania called Normandy Farm. I started as a Pastry Chef and, in the mornings and afternoons, also worked as a Line Chef at Jim Coleman’s restaurant. This experience allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in different areas of the culinary field.
After working at that hotel, I returned to Iron Hill, where I worked both day and night. During that time, I also got another job at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, continuing to gain experience. At Iron Hill, we had a chef we affectionately called Chefitos. I liked the name so much that I decided that if I ever had my own business, that would be the perfect name.
In 2010, I was given the opportunity to help a man named Bruce, an American entrepreneur, open a restaurant in the town of Luquillo, Puerto Rico. He contacted me to assist him, and I created the menu and everything related to the business. After the restaurant was established, I worked there for a few years and then decided to start a small delivery and vending machine business. That’s where the name Chefitos Delivery was born.
After several years, I returned to the United States, moving to Deltona, Florida, with my wife and our four children. I began working nights at Olive Garden. Around that time, my father asked me to cook on certain days when he held Bible studies at his home. One of the attendees was José, the owner of Lelo’s BBQ. He was so impressed with the food that he asked my father about me. I wasn’t present at the study, but soon José asked to meet me. That meeting led to me working two jobs—Olive Garden and Lelo’s BBQ.
Eventually, José offered me the position of Head Chef for the evening shift at Lelo’s BBQ. I left Olive Garden and dedicated myself fully to the restaurant. Years later, he promoted me to Executive Chef.
All those years, the dream of having my own business never left my mind. I began planning exactly how I wanted my food trailer to look. I worked hard—often with only one day off per week—leaving me little time for my family. For 12 years, I saved and bought everything I needed for my business, all while praying to God daily for the strength to achieve my goal.
Finally, on December 12th, I was able to make my dream come true. With God’s help and after much sacrifice, I opened Chefitos Guavate Style, which my wife, Jeanette Del Valle, and I manage together. It has been a long road, but we reached our goal with the help of the Lord.
To those who dream of reaching their goals, I say: put your faith in God, keep working hard, and never give up—because continuous effort brings great results. We are grateful for what God has given us and for every person who comes to our business, shares their kind words, and enjoys our food. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank God and each of you for helping us bring the best of Chefitos guavate style to the community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At Chefitos Guavate Style, we didn’t face obstacles — we faced challenges that pushed us forward. For instance, everything we had purchased to equip the food trailer wouldn’t fit into the original 32-foot trailer we had planned. Shortly after, we were informed that we needed to upgrade to a 48-foot trailer, which meant we had to come up with a significant amount of money in just three months. Thanks to hard work and careful planning, we were able to meet that challenge, and everything else went smoothly.
However, three months after opening in Deland, Florida, the city informed us that we had to relocate. By God’s grace, the person who rented us the space at the Haines Brothers furniture store in Deland owned another location in Orange City and kindly allowed us to move there.
This move was a blessing that allowed us to keep growing and continue bringing the best of Chefitos Guavate Style to our community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chefito’s Guavate Style LLC?
My business is called Chefitos Guavate Style, a food truck specializing in authentic Latin cuisine with a focus on Puerto Rican gastronomy. While I have experience in various international cuisines, my passion and specialty lie in serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as charcoal roasted pork ,charcoal roasted chicken, ribs, and many other delicious options.
People in the area know me because word has spread that I make truly delicious, authentic Puerto Rican food. What sets me apart from others is my dedication and consistency in every dish I create. I take great pride when customers tell me that my food is the best, that it reminds them of their childhood, their grandmother’s cooking, or the flavors of the countryside.
At Chefitos Guavate Style, we offer high-quality food with excellent customer service. We have combos that include two sides of your choice, family-sized orders for sharing, and a catering menu perfect for your parties and special events.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see Chefitos Guavate Style established as a leading name for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in the region. My dream is to expand the business, whether through additional food trucks, a brick-and-mortar restaurant, or both, so we can reach more people and communities.
I want Chefitos to be recognized not only for the quality and flavor of its dishes but also for its excellent customer service and for keeping Puerto Rican culture and traditions alive through food. Additionally, I hope to continue innovating the menu and service to always offer our customers a memorable experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/CHEFITOSGUASVATESTYLE
- Facebook: Chefito’s Guavate Style facebook
- Other: google Chefito’s Guavate Style
