My Story
From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Communities
Hi, I’m Julio Garcia, and my story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. Every chapter of my journey has shaped who I am today. From washing dishes on my parents’ front porch in Mexico to empowering small businesses and helping vulnerable communities in the U.S., this is the path that has defined me.
The Early Years: A Childhood of Responsibility
My journey as a business owner didn’t start with success; it began with struggle. At just six years old, I was already helping my parents run their small food business in Mexico. They sold meals from our front porch, and my job was to clean dishes for the next round of customers.
By the time I was eight, we opened a small shop called La Pasadita, selling flans, jellos, and fresh-squeezed juices. It was my first taste of what running a business felt like, but it wasn’t without challenges. Despite some success, my parents struggled to manage the finances, and I quickly learned that running a business took more than just hard work—it required discipline and structure.
When my father left for the U.S., everything changed. At the age of 10, I took on even more responsibility, including running the family business on my own when my parents were too discouraged to open the shop. It was a lot for a child, but it gave me the resilience and determination that would guide me for years to come.
Adjusting to Life in the U.S.
When I was 11 years old, we joined my father in the United States. Life here was different. I started collecting cans and stripping copper wire for extra money. By 14, I was working under a fake ID as a busboy, dishwasher, and eventually a cook. These experiences taught me valuable skills and built my work ethic.
One pivotal moment came when I convinced my mom to make her signature flans and jellos again. I went door-to-door selling them in apartment complexes and became known as “El Güero de las Gelatinas.” Soon, I expanded, stocking local supermarkets with our desserts on consignment. At just 15, I was managing distribution to seven stores in Dallas.
Facing Challenges and Finding Strength
At 17, my life took a drastic turn. After intervening during a domestic violence incident at home, my father was deported, and I felt the weight of guilt and responsibility. I worked two jobs—at Jamba Juice during the day and cleaning at night—to support my family, often going days without sleep.
Despite the challenges, I discovered a passion for marketing through network marketing. Although I briefly attended college on a scholarship, I had to drop out because of financial difficulties. But I didn’t let that stop me. I taught myself everything I could about business and marketing, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
Building Businesses and Breaking Cycles
In my early 20s, I got married and started a family. I joined my father in the construction industry and eventually launched Garcia’s Drywall Repair. Although the business grew, tensions between my father and me led to its closure.
Years later, my parents and I opened Doña Jacky, a snack shop in Waxahachie. The business thrived, earning over $350,000 in its first year, but family tensions resurfaced. I stepped away briefly, only to return with a new concept: El Quechido, a restaurant under the same roof as Doña Jacky. Together, we brought the business back to life, integrating community-focused initiatives like the Pay It Forward program, which provided meals and encouragement to those in need.
The Birth of Foodies Forward
One day, I made a TikTok video about feeding seniors from a local center, and it resonated deeply with people. Donations poured in, and I was able to cater meals for 90 seniors. This sparked the creation of Foodies Forward, my nonprofit organization.
Through Foodies Forward, we’ve been able to:
- Cater meals for seniors and homeless individuals, often from locally-owned restaurants.
- Provide companionship to abandoned seniors.
- Create opportunities for small businesses to grow while giving back to their communities.
These initiatives allowed me to channel my experiences into something meaningful. The struggles I faced in my family and businesses became the foundation for helping others.
Healing and Moving Forward
Personal and family challenges tested my faith and resilience. At one point, I had to make the difficult decision to set boundaries with my family while choosing forgiveness over bitterness. Through prayer and reflection, I found healing, allowing me to focus on what truly mattered: building a positive legacy for my family and community.
Julio The Foodio
With Julio The Foodio, I combined my love for food, faith, and community. My family and I visit small, family-owned restaurants to share their stories and experiences. We pray for these businesses, ask for blessings on their journey, and give them the exposure they deserve.
This mission is deeply personal to me because I know what it feels like to need support. Julio The Foodio is my way of giving back and helping others succeed.
Foodies Forward Today
Who We Are
At Foodies Forward, we celebrate and support family-owned food and drink businesses, from restaurants to food trucks, coffee shops, and catering companies. These businesses are the backbone of our communities, creating connections, memories, and opportunities.
What We Do
Beyond supporting businesses, we’re dedicated to giving back:
- Senior Citizens: Providing meals and companionship to seniors abandoned or neglected by their families.
- Homeless Individuals: Ensuring access to nourishing meals and support.
For Foodies:
Discover and share your favorite local spots. Create a profile, leave feedback, and inspire others to support small businesses.
For Businesses:
List your business for free, gain visibility, and access tools and workshops to grow your business. Premium members unlock even more resources, like expert advice and eBooks.
For Sponsors:
Support the heart of your community while gaining visibility for your brand. Your sponsorship helps fund tools, workshops, and meals for those in need.
Our Mission
At Foodies Forward, we aim to:
- Empower small food businesses with tools and resources to thrive.
- Support vulnerable seniors and homeless individuals.
- Strengthen the bond between businesses and customers through transparency and trust.
Let’s Connect
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you’re here to be inspired, collaborate, or grow your business, I’d love to connect with you. Together, we can make a difference.
