Hispanic Heritage Month – Luis Lopez Jr.
Can you tell us the name of your business and what you do?
My name is Luis Lopez Jr. I own Seven Seas Bar and Grill here in Downtown Vista on Main St.
What inspired you to start your non-profit?
My biggest inspiration I guess was my 6-year-old daughter. I'm an only child and I was very blessed that my parents spoiled me and worked to give me everything. Now that I've got my own child, it motivated me to do something and be better.
What does being a Latino business owner mean to you?
Being a Latino business owner to me is really touching and moving. For me is feeling the accomplishment that maybe my grandparents had a vision for when they had their own kids, which are my parents and uncles and aunts. I'm sure my grandparents at one point thought that their kids or grandkids might be able to do something like this and here I am. I'm making that dream come true. They left us when I was young and I wish I'd gotten more time with them to ask them how they managed to raise all their kids in such a different time. That right there just motivates me to be better and keep not just my family but my culture going.
How does your culture influence your business?
Well we're in the restaurant industry and I'm a big believer that you learn culture through food. With that being said, our restaurants have always had kind of a Mexican and Latino flare to them. Seven Seas obtained its name because it was more of a global inspiration of the different types of cultures and cuisines we wanted to bring under one roof for our community here in Vista. Vista is also a really cool melting pot of different cultures but what I really love about it is that there's a big Latino presence here, so my menu does have a lot of Latino influence to it. At the end of the day, we're here for the whole community.
How has the Vista community supported your business?
The Vista community has been nothing but amazing, I've been here for four months now and I grew up in Encinitas but Vista has been a blessing. The Chamber, the City, the City Manager John Conley, the Building Division, everybody here and the community itself has been so supportive of our restaurant. The way I like to explain it to people it that we've only been here for four months but it feels like we've been here for years already. That's a genuine great accomplishment that I only get because of the community and because of our staff that lives in the community here. So, it's been a true blessing, it's really cool.
What do you hope your business contributes to our community?
As far as contributing back, that's a big part of why I chose Vista. I just really want to be community driven, I'm not here to just separate myself or that it's different in a sense. I want it to be unique and very driven around the community for what their needs are. That's why we put a fish market inside, why we offer different styles of food, we don't want to step on anybody else's toes here in the community. For me, being present in the community is going to be a big deal. I've already tried to be present at the Boys & Girls Club, the Humane Society, and I really want to continue that focus on being community driven and giving back.
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I think that every culture and heritage should be celebrated. The Hispanic side, specially being here in Southern California and San Diego County, it needs to be celebrated but I think that everyone should be celebrated at the same time. I take big pride and being Hispanic/Latino and try to elevate the culture, while trying to get away from your basic stereotypes.
What message would you line to share with the next generation of Latino entrepreneurs?
I think the message no matter what it to continue pushing on, be better, elevate yourself. At the end of the day, dreams do come true. They don't happen overnight, it takes a lot of hard work but they are there so keep dreaming and keep working hard. Remember that sometimes you might take one step back to take five steps forward but it's worth it.
Learn more about Seven Seas Bar and Grill and Luis Lopez Jr. at sevenseasbarandgrill.com.