“My restaurant serves the people like a pueblo (village), like back in Puerto Rico where everybody helps everybody like family,” said Tyrone Garcia co-owner of Teresita’s Latino Grill.
Former Merchant Marine turned cook is this month’s chosen ¡Aplauda Hampton Roads! personality. Meet the man ready to give another fellow man a second chance when he’s down.
Profession:
Owner, manager, and cook alongside my wife, Teresita, at Teresita’s Latino Grill & Bar on Holland Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Training:
Life is training! “I learned ninety percent of my cooking from hired help. As a Nuyorican (Puerto Rican born and raised in New York), I already knew how to make a mean Pastrami, Corned Beef, Cuban sandwiches, and to spice up a pernil (pork shoulder). But my wife taught me too, about cooking rice and beans. Then I developed my own style as cook of Teresita’s after twenty years in the Merchant Marines. Life happened and I was pressured, forced to leave the Merchant Marines at a time of family crisis. I had to step up to the plate like a man, husband, and father. My family needed me and I couldn’t get the officials to agree on a temporary leave. So I quit, left it all behind. From a family income of $80,000 dollars in 1988, I went down to nothing, zero. Then I started working my way up again in construction, as a car salesman and now as business owner and cook. You do what you have to do for the family! Men today have forgotten this responsibility.”
Family:
I’m a forty-six-year-old puertorriqueño, married and dedicated to my wife, Teresita. We’ve known each other over twenty years but have been married seventeen. Between us we’ve got four grown kids who’ve all worked at the restaurant at some point or another.
Hampton Roads neighborhood:
I live in Virginia Beach.
Favorite Hispanic personality: Why?
Eugenio María de Hostos, I learned about him when I worked for the college named in his honor. I learned a lot about the Taino Indians from Puerto Rico too.
A song, word, or phrase that describes your life? Why?
“Survive, learn, and deal with your problems. And don’t give up. That’s a phrase I live by and I haven’t given up yet.”
Do your children speak Spanish fluently?
Yes they do! I don’t speak perfectly, like a college graduate, but I maintain my parent’s language. My kids better speak Spanish and be proud of it.
Was there a moment growing up that defined you as culturally different from your peers?
I grew up in the Bronx River Housing where all the puertorriqueños spoke Spanish. Yeah! There were people of other cultures, but we still spoke Spanish to each other and spoke English to our friends.
How well do you think the United States in general, but Hampton Roads in particular, has done in creating opportunities and accommodating Spanish-speaking people?
“Hey! Let’s not go there because I was turned down by local banks and had to get my own financing when I started business. But Latino business owners have to keep demanding their respect as a worthwhile investment.”
What influence do you think the Hispanic population has had on the Hampton Roads community?
I think the Hispanic Community has opened up plenty of purpose for businesses in the area.
How do you see yourself giving back to the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads?
I give back to the community by having my restaurant serve the people like a pueblo (village), like back in Puerto Rico where everybody helps everybody like family. What do I mean? Well, I’ve lent emergency money to proven needy customers, given hours of advice, especially about stopping alcoholism. I’ve been sober sixteen years and want to help others get sober. My restaurant makes the least amount of money off the bar and I don’t care about that because I want to promote a family environment. And I’ve given people a place to lay their heads when they’ve seen themselves homeless and hired other people to give them a fresh start at times when I couldn’t even afford to pay my own kids.
My restaurant is here to serve the people more than food. It’s a place in the community where you could speak Spanish without somebody looking at you funny or making you ashamed of your culture. Every time I start to give it (the restaurant) in, I remember those who have honor and respect for what Teresita’s Latino Grill does and I keep going. The money I need for the bills shows up some way! Maybe I’m crazy, but this place opened eight years ago in spite of my personal hardship, for a reason and I guess it’s not all about getting rich.
Personal mentor or role model that influenced your life choice? Why?
I have to say that would be my father-in-law. He was a man to help others even to his deathbed.
What is your favorite cultural dish?
I love to eat ham with rice and pigeon peas with a side of potato salad.
Words of wisdom for the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads.
Love your culture even if they’re making mistakes, “we’re not perfect!” Instead of bad mouthing, support local Latino businesses. People don’t realize the sweat and struggle I and other business owners have been through to provide something cultural in Hampton Roads.
Of what life achievements are you most proud?
I’m proud that I’ve been a faithful husband and father and of my years of sobriety. Nothing, no bills or hard times can take that away from me.
Tyrone Garcia’s energy cooked this ¡Aplauda! interview well done. If you want to know what’s cooking at Teresita’s check out teresitaslatinogrill.com. ¡Adiós! IRM
¡Aplauda Hampton Roads! 
