Johnny Hernandez facts for kids

Johnny Hernandez is a famous chef and a smart businessman. He started many popular restaurants and food companies. He is known for bringing delicious Mexican street food to new places.

A Chef's Journey: Life and Career

Johnny Hernandez grew up in a community with a strong Mexican-American background. He loved food from a young age. To learn more about cooking, he went to a special school called the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

After finishing school, Johnny worked at big hotels and resorts. He cooked in places like the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. He also worked at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California. These experiences helped him become a skilled chef.

In 1994, Johnny came back to San Antonio, Texas. He started his first food business, True Flavors Catering. This company provided food for events and parties.

La Gloria: Mexican Street Food Magic

In May 2010, Johnny Hernandez opened his first big restaurant, La Gloria. It is located at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio. La Gloria is famous for its tasty Mexican street foods. It's like taking a trip to Mexico without leaving Texas!

Casa Hernán: A Place for Special Events

Casa Hernán opened in 2012, also in San Antonio. This beautiful place was designed to look like grand old homes in Mérida, Mexico. Casa Hernán is used for private parties and special cooking events. Chef Hernandez sometimes hosts a popular Barbacoa brunch there. This place has been featured in well-known magazines and TV shows.

The Fruteria-Botanero: Fresh and Fun

Later in 2012, Johnny opened The Fruteria-Botanero. This restaurant is in San Antonio's historic Southtown area. It offers fresh fruit drinks and light snacks called "botanas."

El Machito and Tortilleria La Gloria

In March 2014, Hernandez opened El Machito. This restaurant was in San Antonio's Quarry Market. El Machito focused on grilled meats cooked over mesquite wood. This style of cooking is popular in northern Mexico and Guadalajara. El Machito is now closed.

That same year, 2014, Johnny also opened Tortilleria La Gloria. This is a special mill that makes corn products. They use old, traditional ways to make fresh corn tortillas and other items. These products are used in his own restaurants and sold to other places in San Antonio.

Burgerteca: A New Kind of Burger

In November 2017, Johnny Hernandez opened Burgerteca. This restaurant offers a unique twist on classic burgers. It combines American burgers with Mexican flavors.

Villa Rica: A Taste of Veracruz

Adding to his group of restaurants, Johnny opened Villa Rica in February 2018. He partnered with the Guzman family from Veracruz, Mexico, for this restaurant. Villa Rica brings the delicious flavors of Veracruz to San Antonio.