When Juan Martinez came to America as a teenager, he brought with him a fervor for cooking and a love for Latin-inspired food. In college, Martinez majored in finance, but after 10 years, he decided to revisit his passion. In 2011, the first Don Juan Mex Grill opened in Easton's College Hill neighborhood, and the business has since spanned to include five locations in Pennsylvania. “We put forth a lot of love every day, and I think people can tell how authentic our care is. We bring in fresh ingredients, support local vendors and give back to the community,” says Martinez. “When I came from the Caribbean, someone helped and impacted me by offering a hand. I know how much it meant to me when I needed the assistance. I wouldn't be here without the generosity of the American people.”
The Cantina location in Macungie is the chain's first full-service spot, and the only one to serve alcohol. Martinez creates the menu based on the Latin staples he grew up eating, keeping true to his vision of Latin-American fusion. The Grill's menu focuses on what captures the spirit of Latin food, such as rice and beans, empanadas, tacos, the cantina's freshly made margaritas and—Martinez's personal favorite—the Cuban sandwich.
1905 Brookside Rd., Macungie | 610.438.5661 | donjuanmexgrill.com