We recently connected with Henry Pineda and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Henry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses. What works well, what are the pitfalls?

What works well is being able to do something you love with the people you love. For us, it all started with my wife, Panda, and me. Later, my brother, Nicko, joined, and then her brother, Ben, came on board. That personal connection makes the business even more meaningful. While we haven’t faced any major pitfalls ourselves, I can see how some family businesses could struggle if clear communication isn’t prioritized.

Would you want your children to join your business – why or why not?

One of the great things about being an entrepreneur is that you have options. My kids won’t feel like they “have to” join the business—they’ll have the freedom to do what they love, whatever that may be. If they’re passionate about the business, that’s awesome, but they’ll have the space to carve out their own path if that’s what they prefer.

Are there any stories you’ve seen play out or experiences that help shape your view on family businesses?

I’ve seen how business disagreements can tear families apart, so I’ve always made it a point to keep our communication strong. We base all decisions on empathy and logic, and we don’t let pride get in the way.

An example that really shaped my thinking about working with family is the founders of Wahoo’s. Ed and his brothers built an incredible business, but they also managed to find their own paths in the same industry while staying close. That’s something that’s been a model for Panda, Nicko, Ben, and me as we’ve grown our own family business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Henry Pineda, and my journey into the restaurant industry began with a deep love for food and the cultures I’m apart of. My background, being half Filipino and half Guatemalan, gave me a unique blend of culinary influences that I’ve carried with me into the business. My wife, Panda, and I opened our first two restaurants, MFK BY AYSEE, to bring Filipino comfort food with a fresh twist. After that success, we expanded with Lola’s by MFK, which focuses on Filipino brunch, offering our take on traditional Filipino flavors in a space where they’re often underrepresented.

What sets us apart is not just the food, but the family behind it. My wife, Panda, and I started the business, and later, my brother Nicko and her brother Ben joined us. That sense of family drives everything we do, from how we treat our customers to how we run the kitchen. We’re deeply connected to our culture, but we also make it a point to give a different perspective—creating a dope food experience that combines tradition with something fresh.

I’m most proud of how our business has grown with a focus on our roots while being able to share something new with the community. For potential clients and fans, I want them to know that we’re committed to delivering quality food and a memorable experience that stays true to who we are and what we love. It’s not just about the food—it’s about bringing our culture to life through every plate and creating a vibe that keeps people coming back.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When a fire burned down our first restaurant, it was one of the hardest moments we’ve ever faced. In an instant, everything we had sacrificed for—countless hours, missed family events, and years of effort—was gone. It wasn’t just about losing the physical space; it felt like we were watching our dream disappear. The shock and devastation were overwhelming, and there was a real sense of uncertainty about what came next.

At first, we thought this might be our exit—a chance to walk away from the relentless grind of the restaurant business. The long hours and constant pressure had taken their toll, and this felt like an opportunity to step back. But after some reflection, we realized the fire wasn’t the end of our journey. Instead, it was a chance to rebuild with a clearer vision. We decided to open another MFK by Aysee in Bellflower, determined to move forward despite the odds in such a competitive industry. It wasn’t easy, but it reinforced the idea that resilience is about pushing through adversity with faith and determination.

That experience not only strengthened our business but also brought our family closer together. It was a turning point that led us to open Lola’s by MFK, proving that what could have been a devastating ending became a story of growth and renewal.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

For me, it all starts with respect and collaboration. I always tell my leaders, “Our team works with us, not for us.” That simple mindset shift changes everything. When you treat your team as partners, they feel valued, and that’s essential for keeping morale high. It creates an environment where people genuinely want to contribute and take pride in their work.

Another important aspect is how we handle mistakes. I always stress that mistakes aren’t a bad thing—in fact, they’re opportunities. They show us where improvements are needed and how we can grow. Rather than focusing on what went wrong, we shift immediately to solution-based thinking. What’s the issue, and how do we fix it? This approach keeps the energy positive and empowers the team to problem-solve, rather than getting stuck in the blame game.

On top of that, I believe in recognizing people’s efforts in the right way. I stand by the principle of praising in public and offering constructive feedback in private. Public recognition boosts confidence and motivates the team, while private feedback allows for growth without causing embarrassment. It’s about maintaining dignity while encouraging improvement.

At the end of the day, leadership is about making everyone’s job smoother and less stressful. Our role is to clear obstacles and support the team so they can focus on doing their best work. By fostering respect, encouraging solutions, and promoting collaboration, you create a team that’s motivated and prepared to handle whatever challenges come their way.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lolas_mfk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolasmfk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MFK_aysee
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/lola-s-by-mfk-anaheim
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lolas_mfk?lang=en

Image Credits
Niyaz Pirani Knife & Spork PR