Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose & Neysil Mendez.
Hi Jose & Neysil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story started with two things: a food truck and a fire in our hearts. In March 2020, just days before the world shut down, we launched our Puerto Rican and Nicaraguan food truck in the middle of Houston — fueled by family recipes, island flavor, and pure grit. Most people would’ve waited. We didn’t. We gambled on ourselves — and our sazón.
Those early days were no joke. We cooked through a pandemic, hustled through empty streets, and built a loyal following dish by dish, plate by plate. Word spread fast because our food wasn’t just different — it was real. It was heritage on a plate, made from scratch, inspired by our abuelitos and carried forward by my wife, Neysil Mendez, who’s the heart behind every recipe. Neysil is more than the chef — she’s the creative force, the heart of our kitchen, and the face of our business. Her passion, hospitality, and unforgettable food have made her a favorite in our community.
In 2021, we took our story to the national stage when we appeared on Food Truck Face Off on the Cooking Channel with Chef Eddie Jackson. That moment was a proud one — showing the world that Latino food is powerful, beautiful, and worthy of the spotlight.
By September 2023, we turned our dream into a brick-and-mortar restaurant — 1,200 square feet of flavor, soul, and nonstop hustle. It hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced financial hits, rising costs, and long nights. But through it all, we’ve stayed true to who we are: a family-owned spot serving bold food with even bolder heart.
This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a love letter to our roots. A family legacy in the making — built on culture, hustle, and flavor that hits home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but every bump made us stronger. We launched just as COVID hit, so instead of a grand opening, we had lockdowns, supply shortages, and streets with no traffic. We had days we barely sold anything, nights we questioned if we’d make it, and moments where giving up felt easier than going on.
When we transitioned from food truck to brick-and-mortar in 2023, the challenges didn’t stop — they just changed. Rent went up, food costs skyrocketed, and building a team has been tough with the current labor climate. We’ve juggled business stress while raising a family and trying to stay afloat in an industry that doesn’t slow down for anyone.
But through all of it, we’ve leaned on each other — our family, our community, and our purpose. Every struggle became fuel. And every hard season just reminded us why we started.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re a husband-and-wife team who turned a dream into reality after both getting laid off in 2019. That was a tough year for us, but instead of giving up, we started planning a food truck — with nothing but determination, recipes passed down from our families, and a vision of bringing something different to the table.
It wasn’t easy. Our original food truck builder actually ran off with our money, which delayed everything. We had to start over and wait almost 8 months before we could finally open. And just when we did — March 2020 — the world shut down from COVID. But we didn’t stop. We kept cooking, kept pushing, and little by little, people started finding us and loving the food.
Our name, BoriNic, says it all — “Bori” from me, a proud Puerto Rican (boricua), and “Nic” from my wife Neysil, who’s Nicaraguan and the chef behind every single dish. We’re proud to bring both cultures together in one place and keep it as authentic as possible. Our food is made from scratch, full of flavor, and meant to make people feel like they’re back home — whether that’s in the Caribbean or Central America.
We’re not fancy. We’re real. Everything we do — from the food to the vibe — comes from love, hustle, and pride in where we come from. That’s what BoriNic is all about.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” — it doesn’t exist. If we had waited for things to be ideal, we never would’ve opened. We started with a vision, a whole lot of faith, and no backup plan. You’ve gotta be willing to bet on yourself, even when things feel impossible.
One thing we wish we knew: not everyone you do business with will have good intentions. Our first food truck builder stole from us — that almost crushed us before we even got started. So trust your gut, protect your money, and do your research. And when setbacks happen (because they will), let them fuel you, not stop you.
Also — take care of yourself and your people. Burnout is real, especially when you’re building from scratch. Ask for help, take breaks, and remember why you started.
Lastly: stay true to who you are. It’s easy to get caught up trying to do what everyone else is doing. But the thing that makes you different? That’s your superpower. Own it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.AntojitosBoriNic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antojitosborinic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antojitosborinic
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/Wqck8RK
