Check Out Jose “Executive North” Estremera’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose “Executive North” Estremera.

Hi Jose “Executive North”, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Agnes was built on legacy, resilience, and a deep love for authentic Caribbean culture.

The brand is named after my mother, Agnes, who is from Trinidad. Growing up, food was more than just a meal—it was how we connected, how we showed love, and how we brought people together. That foundation stayed with me.

What started as a vision turned into a mission: to create a place where people could experience real Caribbean flavors in a fast, fresh, and elevated way.

Like most entrepreneurs, the journey wasn’t easy. There were long nights, financial risks, and moments where quitting would’ve been the easier option—but the purpose was bigger than the pressure. I stayed focused on the long-term vision: building something that not only feeds people, but inspires them.

Over time, Agnes grew from an idea into a brand. We built a loyal customer base, expanded our menu, and created an experience that blends culture, consistency, and quality. Today, we’re not just a restaurant—we’re building a movement, expanding into new markets like Georgia, and opening doors for franchising and ownership opportunities.

At the core of it all is one goal: to honor my mother’s name by creating something that lasts for generations.

This is more than food.
This is legacy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. But every challenge has shaped what Agnes is today.

When we first started, one of the biggest struggles was building consistency—making sure every plate, every day, matched the vision of authentic Caribbean flavor. That takes time, training, and the right people.

We’ve also dealt with staffing challenges, especially during growth phases. Finding a team that not only works hard but understands the culture and care behind the food isn’t easy.

Then there’s the operational side—everything from equipment issues, inspections, delays with licensing (especially liquor), and even unexpected costs like utilities or maintenance. Those things can hit you out of nowhere and test your patience and finances.

Another real challenge has been educating the market. A lot of people automatically think Caribbean = Jamaican, and we’ve had to consistently communicate that Agnes is rooted in Trinidadian flavor and culture.

And of course, like any entrepreneur, there were moments of doubt, long hours, and sacrifices most people don’t see.

But through all of it, we stayed focused on the mission:

Deliver bold, authentic flavors
Create a welcoming experience
Build something that lasts

The struggles didn’t break us—they built us. And honestly, that’s what makes the journey worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an entrepreneur since 1999, I’ve built my career at the intersection of hospitality, real estate, and business development. I’m the owner behind brands like Agnes Caribbean Cuisine and multiple real estate ventures, where I focus on creating scalable businesses, revitalizing communities, and turning vision into real, profitable operations.

I specialize in building systems that work—whether that’s developing a restaurant concept into a franchise-ready model or analyzing and executing real estate investments like fix-and-flips, rentals, and long-term holds. I’m known for blending street-level experience with executive strategy—I understand the grind, but I also know how to structure things to scale.

What I’m most proud of is consistency and longevity. Over 20+ years in business, I’ve completed hundreds of real estate projects and built brands that people genuinely connect with. Seeing customers, investors, and even my own team grow through what we’ve created—that’s the real win for me.

What sets me apart is simple:

I don’t just teach it—I live it
I build businesses that are designed to scale, not just survive
And I move with purpose—everything I create is about impact, ownership, and legacy

At the end of the day, I’m not just building businesses… I’m building platforms that create opportunities for others.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Dayton is the opportunity. It’s a city where you can still build something real—from the ground up. The cost of entry isn’t as high as bigger markets, which gives entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives a chance to take risks, grow, and actually own something. There’s also a strong sense of community here—when people support you, it’s genuine.

What I also appreciate is Dayton’s untapped potential. There are so many areas that are growing and evolving, and being part of that progress—especially through business and real estate—is exciting.

What I like least is that sometimes the city can be slow to fully embrace growth and change. There are moments where red tape, delays, or limited resources can make it harder for businesses to scale quickly. Also, not enough people recognize just how much opportunity is really here, so the city can get overlooked.

But overall, that’s also what makes Dayton special—

If you’re willing to put in the work,
Stay consistent,
And think long-term…

You can really build something meaningful here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eatagnes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatagnes
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/eatagnes
• Twitter: https://x.com/eatagnes