“Take a little extra time and love. No matter how expensive or inexpensive it is, it’s the time and love you put into it that makes food good,” something Juan Carrillo learned from his mother. He practices this lesson in his business, Juan’s Mexican Café and Cantina at Hayes.

A native of California, Juan moved to Virginia 22 years ago. The restaurant business is not new to him. While living in Williamsburg his father operated a restaurant and it was there Juan worked beginning as a child for 12 years.

Nine years ago Juan opened his own business at Gloucester Point. Not only does the restaurant keep him busy, Juan is now serving as president of the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tourism Board, and is active in other community affairs, as well.

“I grew up in a family of two boys and two girls. Both of us boys learned early to cook and consider ourselves good cooks, but my two sisters care nothing about cooking.” Today Juan&rs...