Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan A. Vazquez.
Hi Juan A., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a high school dropout in Mexico, my expectations for education when I arrived in Minnesota were modest at best. My only aspiration was to find steady work and hope for the best. And for a while, that’s exactly what I did. I took on every job that came my way—dishwasher, busboy, pizza maker, cook. The work was intense, repetitive, and exhausting, and it made me realize that perhaps this path wasn’t for me.
Determined to change my future, I enrolled at the Ronald Hubbs Center in Saint Paul to earn my high school diploma. My mornings were spent in class, and my afternoons and evenings were still behind the kitchen line. Six months into the program, my teachers encouraged me to take the GED exam and continue my education. Their support gave me the push I needed to take the next step.
I enrolled at Century College in White Bear Lake, where I graduated with an associate degree and a 4.0 GPA. My academic journey continued at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in business. Throughout my college years, I worked full-time—first as a kitchen manager, then in customer service—learning lessons that would serve me well beyond the classroom.
After graduation, I received a life-changing phone call from one of my former professors. She invited me to help lead a statewide Latino college enrollment initiative, the largest of its kind at the time. That experience opened my eyes to my true calling: marketing and business development. Inspired by this new direction, I launched my first marketing company, Intelvision, which eventually evolved into Multivision Marketing Group.
At first, my clients were mostly colleges and nonprofits, but soon my portfolio expanded to include private businesses and multicultural events. As my company grew, so did my desire to diversify—to invest in ventures where I could apply everything I had learned about marketing, leadership, and community engagement.
Then, an unexpected opportunity appeared. A vacant pizza restaurant near one of the venues where I hosted events caught my attention. At first, I hesitated. After all, I had left the restaurant industry years earlier and hadn’t planned on returning—at least, not as an owner. But something about it felt right. I partnered with a trusted colleague, and together we took the leap.
Opening a restaurant, of course, is no small feat. It takes vision, grit, and a significant investment. We completely remodeled the building—walls, bar, kitchen, bathrooms, everything. My goal was clear: to create a place where people in our neighborhood could enjoy a beautiful dining experience without having to drive to the suburbs. I wanted the local community to feel proud to have a place of their own—a restaurant where families could gather, friends could celebrate, and everyone could feel welcome.
In August 2024, after nearly a year of hard work and preparation, Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina opened its doors on Rice Street in Saint Paul. The community response has been incredible. From day one, we’ve felt the love and support of our neighbors.
Today, I’m proud not only to serve delicious, high-quality food but also to be part of the community’s growth and revitalization. As a board member of the Rice & Larpenteur Alliance, I work alongside other local leaders to promote prosperity and pride in our corridor.
Every day, our mission remains simple: to provide excellent service, a welcoming atmosphere, and the most flavorful food on this side of town. I’m grateful for the journey—from dishwasher to entrepreneur—and for the chance to give back to the community that believed in me.
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?
Not at all. I’ve always believed that without sacrifice, there is no glory. Entrepreneurship comes with its share of stress and solitude; there are moments when you question yourself and the decisions you’ve made. But at the end of the day, if you truly have the will to accomplish something, you’ll always find a way to make it happen.
I still remember being in college and receiving a call from the accounts receivable office, warning me that unless I made a large overdue payment, I would be expelled. I sat down, wrote out a payment plan, and convinced them to let me stay. That small victory taught me something important—it’s not about avoiding obstacles, but about facing them with creativity and determination.
Those early experiences have proven invaluable as a business owner—whether dealing with the city on permits, applying for grants, or securing loans. Everything has a solution. The key is to stay focused on finding it, remain resilient, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina proudly serves some of the best Mexican food in Saint Paul. Every day, our team strives to deliver outstanding customer service, delicious dishes made with high-quality ingredients, and an unforgettable dining experience from the moment you walk through our doors.
For me, every guest who visits deserves the very best—because when people leave happy, they return, and they bring their friends and family with them. That’s the heart of what we do.
We’re honored to have been recognized for having the best quesabirria in town, our giant, flavor-packed burritos, and some of the most popular margaritas in Minnesota—served in a variety of refreshing flavors, each paired with a frozen popsicle to match.
Whether you’re planning a business lunch, a birthday celebration, or a family gathering, Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina is the perfect place to celebrate. We also offer catering for graduations, private events, and special occasions—bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico straight to your table.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand by opening new restaurants in key locations—each one thoughtfully timed and strategically placed to continue growing our brand and serving more communities.
Pricing:
- $10-$20 Per customers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cancunmexicangrillcantina.com
- Instagram: cancunmexicangrillcantina
- Facebook: /cancungrillcantina
