Mr. Tempo Opens King & Queen Cantina In West Hollywood And Oxnard
Immigrant success stories are often some of the most inspiring tales of determination, grit, and hard work. Showcasing the spirit of human resilience, these stories remind us that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible. In the Latino community, one such inspirational figure is Jorge Cueva, better known as Mr. Tempo. Cueva’s decades-long journey from washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms to owning over 130 restaurants is a testament to his hard work, passion, and perseverance. And with new branches of his popular eatery King & Queen Cantina recently opening in West Hollywood and Oxnard, Cueva’s best days are clearly ahead.
Cueva started his journey toward his ideal life by working odd jobs, washing dishes, and cleaning bathrooms. He worked tirelessly and saved every penny he could. The ambitious dreamer knew that he wanted more, and he wasn’t going to settle for anything less. He decided his first project would be a restaurant, took a chance, and opened a small eatery in Southern California, serving his hometown’s traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant was successful, and he knew he had found his calling.
As a result, Cueva opened more restaurants, and before he knew it, he had over 130 under his belt. He created a brand that was a local favorite and was known for its unique dining experience. Cueva didn’t stop there. He wanted to take his brand to the next level, and that’s when he came up with the idea of King & Queen Cantina, a modern Mexican cuisine and Asian Fusion restaurant.
The restaurant was an instant hit: people raved about the bold flavors, modern twists, and unique (and delicious) cocktails. Cueva was delighted with the response and knew he had to expand his business. The result? Within four months, there was a King & Queen Cantina in Oxnard and one in West Hollywood, a Mr. Tempo Cantina in Gaslamp, San Diego, and a Mr. Tempo Cantina Sports Bar, also in Gaslamp. Everyone involved knows that the restaurant’s success is not just about the food; it’s also about the experience people enjoy when they visit.
Fueled by a vision to create a world where people could come together, share a meal, and create memories that would last a lifetime, Cueva’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He was recognized by Forbes Mexico as “The Michael Jordan of restaurants” in 2021 and named one of the “20 Entrepreneurs you must follow in 2020” by Yahoo Finance.
When asked about the secret to his success, Cueva believes hard work beats talent every single time. He insists that anyone who wants to succeed in life can do so by persevering and making sacrifices along the way. His journey to success took him 30 years, but Cueva is living proof that patience and hard work really do pay off.
King & Queen Cantina is not just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of Cueva’s hard work and dedication. It’s a place where people can come together, enjoy great food, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Visitors to King & Queen Cantina are sure to enjoy the experience and will be inspired by the man behind the success — Jorge Cueva, aka Mr. Tempo.
McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
