🔹 Panel 1 — Where Are We as an Industry?

Speaker: Bessie King – Owner of Villa Mexico Café & Communications Manager at the Immigration Office for the City of Boston.

This session explored national and local food industry trends, highlighted data on Latino business owners, and discussed regulations shaping the future of the sector.

🔹 Panel 2 — How to Properly Run a Food Business

Speaker: Allan Rodriguez – Entrepreneur and owner of La Neta, Sabina Mezcalería, and El Centro.

Attendees learned about operational best practices, common challenges, and the foundations of running a restaurant efficiently and successfully.

🔹 Panel 3 — I Need to Raise Money to Grow My Business

Moderator: Ana Perez
Speaker: Anyi Botero – Account Manager at JBS Corp.

This panel focused on preparing to access capital, the importance of business character when seeking funding, and the unique challenges underrepresented entrepreneurs often face.

🔹 Panel 4 — Innovation in Restaurants

Speakers: Juliana Bustamante and EmiliaVision

Topics included marketing strategies to stand out in a competitive industry, elevating the customer experience, and embracing innovation to differentiate a restaurant.

Special Guest: Miguel Guerra — Venezuelan Michelin-starred chef (Washington, D.C.).

Miguel shared his inspiring story as a 27-year-old chef who built his own restaurant and earned one of the highest recognitions in the culinary world.

🔹 Networking & Community Building

The event closed with a lively networking session, creating new connections, collaborations, and opportunities for growth within the Latino food ecosystem.