By Stephanie Sakelarakis
Meet Lorenzo Reyes, the passionate chef and owner of Rincón Mexicano, a beloved restaurant in East Somerville. Over ten years ago, Reyes opened Rincón Mexicano to bring “a little piece of Mexico” to the local community. His journey is one of hard work, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to his team.
Lorenzo Reyes, Chef and Owner of Rincón Mexicano
Reyes came to the United States from Mexico at the age of 25, facing uncertain paths ahead. Unsure whether to pursue a trade or follow his passion for cooking, he ultimately chose the culinary arts – a passion instilled by his mother at a young age. Even now, he frequently travels back to Mexico, gathering authentic recipes and inspiration to share at his restaurant. Starting as a dishwasher, Reyes worked his way up to chef and restaurant owner, drawing on 30 years of kitchen experience to make his dreams a reality.
When he first opened Rincón Mexicano in 2014, it was a modest space. But as his reputation grew, he expanded into the neighboring unit, allowing for more seating and enhanced dining experience for his customers. Over the years, he’s witnessed changes in his customers, noting that most of his customers today are English speakers. When he learned about the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board SkillBuilding initiative, funded by the City of Somerville’s ARPA grant, he saw a valuable opportunity for his employees. He recommended four staff members, including three servers who often communicate directly with customers, for ESOL classes offered through this initiative.
Reyes shared the impact of the program:
“I have seen a lot of improvement in the employees, four guys went to the English class and three of them are working as waiters and I can see how they have improved because we used to have problems with communication and sometimes, we made mistakes [due to] communication and now they understand more. They went to two or three classes, and they are getting better so I think they will continue because it is really important for the business.”
These classes have not only improved his employees’ language skills but also increased their confidence, helping them engage more comfortably with customers. Reyes recognizes the social challenges that newcomers face, especially those with limited English skills, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
He encourages other business owners to invest in their teams by supporting ESOL training, knowing that strengthening employee skills is an investment in the business and in the community at large.