We were lucky to catch up with Alfredo Landazuri recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alfredo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I entered the restaurant industry at the age of 16, and now, at 41, I’ve finally opened a small food trailer catering business back in 2022. While I wish I had started sooner, I don’t regret the journey. I dedicated a lot of time, effort, and sacrifices to helping others grow their businesses and achieve their goals, but I never prioritized my own dreams and ambitions. Starting earlier, perhaps in my late twenties when I had more energy, might have allowed me to achieve even bigger goals. However, I believe the experiences I gained in the U.S. helped shape my character, responsibility, and knowledge today. Would I change anything? Perhaps just starting a little bit sooner.

Alfredo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I mentioned in our previous conversation, I entered the restaurant industry at the age of 16. My passion for cooking and food stemmed from my grandmother back in Peru, which sparked my love for the restaurant industry. In my mid-20s, I realized I had more potential than just being a chef, so I began investing more time in becoming an operations manager. I took on my first role as a head chef at 21 and became a general manager at 25. By the age of 28, I was a director of operations for various locations.

I dedicated my time to taking risks and solving problems for people, allowing businesses to thrive. I would take struggling businesses and turn them around, transforming broken concepts into successful ones. What sets me apart from others? I believe it’s my commitment, loyalty, and especially my hard work. I don’t give up easily. When faced with a challenge, I persevere. While I may venture into new endeavors once I achieve my goals in one venture, I never give up. Ultimately, my determination to succeed no matter what sets me apart.

What am I most proud of? The aspect of being in the restaurant business that I am most proud of is the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. Not just customers, but also coworkers, employees, and bosses. Over the years, I’ve developed strong friendships with people. At the end of the day, these connections and friendships are what stand out to me. Being remembered as a good leader by those I’ve worked with has always been my goal.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Actually, it’s a funny story. My partner in both of my businesses, as well as my partner in the last four restaurants we ran, is actually my current wife. I met my wife in the restaurant business. We started out as friends and then worked together for a couple of years. Eventually, we fell in love, got married, and continued working together for several years, running a total of four different restaurants.

Through the ups and downs, challenges, and opportunities, we decided to open our first business back in 2020. Then, in 2022, we made the decision to open our second business. The funny part is that she’s not only my partner in life but also my partner in business. I have no regrets about these decisions because she’s the best partner I could ever wish for. We share everything 50-50 – the work, the commitment, the passion – and we always have each other’s backs, no matter what.”

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding your business – now that’s a great question. Money doesn’t come as easy as people might think. If you believe in a concept, in yourself, and in what you can bring to the table, along with your commitment and passion, then you have to be willing to take every single risk. That’s exactly what my wife and I did.

For our first business, we invested every dollar we had saved. We took out two to three different loans – two personal loans under my name and a small personal loan under hers. We also maxed out our credit cards. We took the leap and bought the business, which we opened in 2020. Within the first two years, we managed to pay off our debt.

For the last two years, we’ve had the freedom to hire an employee, allowing us to focus on our other business ventures or, in my case, my other full-time job. Ultimately, this has allowed us to continue growing. The business has now become a source of passive income for my wife, our family, and me.

At the end of the day, taking risks is essential. While some people might obtain a loan or receive money from family, we invested every penny we had, took out loans, and maxed out our credit cards. We committed ourselves fully, with my wife putting in 50 to 60 hours a week as the sole employee, saving every penny we could. We were the ones painting the walls, changing the carpet, and replacing the lights. It’s all about your level of commitment. If you believe in yourself, go for it.!

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