Fernando’s Latin American Cuisine
Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Fernando Echeverria’s dream of coming to the United States came true
in 1974. His career in the restaurant business began as a dishwasher in New York at the early age of 14.
Fernando moved up quickly and became a cook within a year. He worked different positions and by
the age of 18, he knew how to run the restaurant. At the age of 19, he decided to make a move to Florida
but made a detour to Dallas to visit a cousin. During his visit in Dallas, Fernando met some friends from
Houston whom he later visited. Needless to say, he never made it to Florida. In Houston,
he continued his restaurant career at Ninfa’s, Paesanos Italian Restaurant, Carrabba’s, Tony Rao’s, and
then on to owning a deli in the Medical Center.
When Tony Rao’s restaurant was on the market,
Fernando purchased the space and opened the popular Los Andes restaurant, which he managed for 14 years. Fernando
was set to close on another restaurant space for his second restaurant when he learned Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse in Sugar
Land was up for sale. His offer was accepted and after working so hard to close the deal, he learned that
his investors decided to pull out. With one day to make the down payment on his own, Fernando maxed out
his credit cards and made the deadline. However, he still needed funding for the remaining project.
He was declined by several banks but was determined not to give up. His opportunity came one afternoon
from Metro Bank’s reservation at Los Andes. Fernando purposely waited on them and while serving dessert,
he casually mentioned that he needed a loan. Metro Bank officer, Carlos
Alvarez, handed him his card and by Monday of the following week, Fernando was approved for a United States Small Business
Administration (SBA) 504 program loan.
After several months of furnishing and equipping
the restaurant, Fernando’s Latin American Cuisine Restaurant was open for business. The restaurant
initially opened for lunch only while they waited for their liquor license. With his full attention on
this new restaurant, Fernando passed his management role of Los Andes to his oldest daughter. With the
reputation of Los Andes, which has been acclaimed by local and national media for being one of the best South American restaurants
in Houston, Fernando’s was sure to be a big hit. Fernando’s offers rich culinary experiences
of Spain, Italy, Mexico, and South America. Diners are treated to daily specials, as well as menu items
all prepared with fresh ingredients that Fernando picks up from his daily visits to the markets. Thursday
& weekend diners can enjoy live music performances from 7pm -10pm. Don’t be surprised to see
Fernando waiting on tables and taking care of his guests. Not only is he the owner and manager, he is the
chef, host, waiter, and even bus boy. He calls this quality control and is constantly thinking of ways
to improve the restaurant. “I am a dreamer. I never stop dreaming.
My thanks go out to Carlos Alvarez of Metro Bank, James Walsh from Houston Galveston
Area Council, the SBA, and everyone who helped make my dream a reality,” said Fernando.
Fernando invites you
to come visit his latest dream, Fernando’s Latin American Cuisine restaurant, located at 14135 Southwest Freeway in
Sugar Land, Texas. For more information
about SBA programs and services, visit www.sba.gov.
