Yesterday, Chula Vista Today Staff was invited to witness how businessman and internet personality, Mr.Tempo, was awarded a proclamation honoring him for his success as a Latino restaurateur and for contributing to the San Diego hospitality industry by The County of San Diego.
The owner of King and Queen Restaurant in Little Italy has been running the establishment for six years. Recently, he acquired the former Sugar Factory Building in Gaslamp, San Diego, and transformed it into one of his restaurant concepts, Mr. Tempo Cantina, along with his signature Sports Bar.
He received the proclamation at his establishment called Mr.Tempo Sports Bar, which transforms into a nightclub at night. The vibrant atmosphere is created using black backdrops with neon graffiti, and the music immerses you in a world of lively reggaeton beats.
The event had a friendly staff serving delicious food, including shrimp and fish ceviche, pork belly tacos, and tinga taquitos, which are part of their regular menu. Guests also enjoyed their refreshing and iconic margaritas.
Mr.Tempo arrived in a colorful ensemble at the event, happy to be there and greeting everyone cheerfully.
With honor and gratitude, Mr.Tempo received his proclamation, and it was presented by Nora Vargas District 1 Team members, Mabi Jalit Castro, Senior Director of Economic Innovation & Strategy, and Griselda Ramirez, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Partnerships, & Strategic Initiatives.
About Mr.Tempo
Jorge Cueva, also known as Mr.Tempo or “the margarita king,” is an entrepreneurial jalisciense, meaning he was born in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, with an over 30-year trajectory.
The entrepreneur owns several thriving restaurants in California and Baja California, including the “King & Queen Cantina” in Little Italy. He also has a business branch named after himself, “Tempo Cantina,” with locations in Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles, and other areas. Additionally, both establishments will soon open new locations in Arizona and Chicago.
But all of these accomplishments did not come easy; Cueva left his hometown of Guadalajara when he was 18 years old, and since he didn’t know English, the only job he could get was as a dishwasher. To keep growing his skills and improve himself, he would stay after his shifts were over to learn from the cooks, servers, management, etc.
Through his dedication and determination, he was able to grow both as an employee and entrepreneur. He is a shining example of the value of seeking out valuable resources, maintaining a unique approach, and persevering through adversity.
“Since 1998, I wanted to do something different, and people said I was crazy. I didn’t want to have the traditional chips and salsa and a mariachi band Mexican restaurant. I love all that, but I wanted something unique,” Cueva said. “Now everyone is doing the same as me, graffiti and reggaeton, and I was the one who started this movement.”
As said in his proclamation, Mr. Tempo has over a dozen locations and more than 1,200 employees, he is making a significant impact on the economy and is empowering and helping families all around the U.S.
