Stories of Impact: Yonny
Yonny is a self-starter and passionate business owner with a vision to bring bold flavors and elevated regional Mexican cuisine to life. Through the Empresarios program, he has transformed his dream into reality—launching a family business that shares the rich culinary traditions of Yucatán with the Portland community.
Read on to discover Yonny’s inspiring journey from Hacienda resident to proud Empresarios client.
Photo credits: Nick Mendez
Upon arriving in Portland, Oregon, Yonny and his family set out to make the most of their new life in a different country. Like many immigrants, this chapter was marked by hard work, determination, and the drive to build a better future. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to bring prosperity to his loved ones, Yonny began working tirelessly to support his family. His career in Oregon began in janitorial services, a role he held for several years.
Over time, Yonny realized he wanted something more. He shifted into the food industry, where he found not just a job, but a passion. Although Yonny’s new life in Portland began in the late ’90s, he never forgot his roots. A proud native of Yucatán, Mexico, he held tightly to the flavors and traditions of his homeland while adapting to life in the U.S. As a father of three, he constantly sought opportunities to grow and learn.
Over the course of more than a decade, Yonny’s persistence became one of his greatest strengths. Starting in the kitchen as a dishwasher, he quickly began asking questions, observing processes, and learning every aspect of how a kitchen operates. With each passing year, he developed a deeper understanding of the food industry and what it takes to run a successful kitchen. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually ignited a dream: to start his own food business.
That dream gave birth to Ta Bueno Ne.
“Ta Bueno Ne is a term of endearment we all heard growing up. It means ‘It’s good, friend,’ often used when talking about food in Mayan culture.” This sentiment captures the heart of Yonny’s mission—bringing comfort, culture, and connection through food.
“The Empresarios program helped me and guided me through a very difficult process. We didn’t know where to go but they knew how to support us”
“At first, we thought starting was easy. We soon realized it wasn’t, and we didn’t have any idea as to how to do it. It felt defeating and like we were doing everything wrong. Very discouraging.” Like many first-time entrepreneurs, he and his family underestimated the complexities of launching a business. The excitement quickly gave way to confusion and frustration as they encountered unexpected challenges—from permits and licensing to budgeting and logistics. But instead of giving up, Yonny looked for support.
Through the guidance of Business Advisors in the Empresarios Program, he began to understand not only the systems involved in the food industry but also the practical steps needed to create a sustainable business. With the encouragement and ongoing mentorship of Juan Vildosola, a Business Advisor, Yonny remained committed. He frequently reached out with questions, always eager to absorb new information. Over time, and with this steady support, his dream became a reality.
“Our food isn’t typical because we aim to elevate both visually and in flavors. Flavors matter but so does the plating. In Ta Bueno Ne, we really focus on all the details.” Developing new menu items was one of the first foundational goals Yonny pursued, shaping a culinary vision that reflected both his roots and his aspirations. Yonny made it his mission to present dishes that are both rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. From traditional flavors to modern presentation, every plate tells a story.
Yonny’s children have been a source of strength and motivation throughout his journey. Not only do they support him emotionally, they also actively participate in the business. His oldest daughter, now a co-owner, has fully embraced the entrepreneurial spirit. She works alongside her father, helping to manage operations and shape the future of their growing enterprise. “My kids are encouraging me to continue to do this, and they are proud that we have been able to achieve this success.” Yonny shared that his children are proud to know they can have a family business and also participate in running it.
Yonny exemplifies what’s known as the Hacienda effect—a full-circle moment experienced by many who engage with Hacienda’s programs. From being a resident in Hacienda housing to becoming a thriving small business owner, Yonny’s story highlights the potential and success that blossoms within the Hacienda community.
Yonny's journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when community, opportunity, and perseverance come together.
These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!