Daily Inspiration: Meet Chef Jose Melendez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Jose Melendez.

Hi Chef Jose , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Currently I own Melendez Catering Services, we are the only Latino Own Full-Staffed Catering that offers a One-Stop-Shop Experience in Northeast Ohio. We Specialize in Latino & Classic Americana Cuisines.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico, My Dad, Uncles, Aunts, all had their own businesses so I always had that entrepreneurship mentality of making it happen for yourself instead of making others rich, however, for me? It took for me to literally be homeless and without options to embark on the entrepreneurship journey and make it happen for my kids and family.

When I started this business, I was literally living in my car, I realized that I needed to do something in order to be able to have a roof over my head and a safe place for my children, so, I guess you could say, Food Saved My Life…. I had the opportunity to present my food at an expo, was hired for a couple of weddings and the rest was history, was able to get my apartment, furnish it , help them with College Tuition and related expenses. It definitely wasn’t easy, but with the help of my wife we have been able to reach heights we never imagined.

When Pandemic hit, everything stopped, I didn’t know what to do. Thank God for the government help for small businesses because thanks to them funds I was able to open “Twisted Taino Restaurant”. a Puerto Rican Restaurant that featured a modern take on traditional flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America. Today, we have re branded Twisted Taino to “Hot Nachitas Taqueria” the first Quick Service Taqueria in Parma, Ohio, Melendez Catering is still going strong catering Social Events, Corporate, Private Gatherings and more.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Never a smooth road, I started selling food from my house like many. I really wanted a brick and mortar so I started knocking on doors, making connections etc.. Obviously the biggest challenge was raising capital. I joined the Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 2 back in 2018, then organizations that would help me present my concept to potential investors and doing pop ups and small caterings until I reached my goal.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love cooking, everything started with a passion, as an entrepreneur with a small budget I became the Operational Manager, General Manager, Human Resources, Executive Chef, Website Designer, Graphic Designer, and pretty much everything involved with running a business. Yes, It is a little overwhelming but as the business grew I was able to hire and delegate to key people.

Today I am just the Operational Manager for Hot Nachitas Taqueria and General Manager / Executive Chef for Melendez Catering Services.

I am known as the Premier Latin Caterer in Greater Cleveland, I have been honored and very proud to have been nominated and perceived as one of the Best Latin Chefs in the area.

What sets me apart from others? My passion and determination for my family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melendezcatering.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_melendez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melendezcatering