Three of the things Jose Juarez is best known for are his love of family, including his wife Kelly, cooking and cars. He also is a businessman, volunteer and active member of his church, as well as a television star, having won America’s New Grill Star, hosted by the Live with Kelly and Michael Show. His winning creation, The BarbaCuban Sandwich, was made with his 455 Sauce, born from his love of Caribbean flavors and named after the engine in his GTO.
food:
What’s your favorite meals and places to dine?
I love a Wagyu bacon cheeseburger on sourdough bread with my 455 Sauce and Ram Air Red Zesty Ketchup. My favorite place to dine is in my backyard outdoor kitchen that my kids named Sunset Grill. You will find Kelly and me there on most weekends, grilling a steak.
history:
Where were you born and raised?
I was born In Havana, Cuba, and immigrated with my family at the age of 5 to Portland, Oregon. Kelly has been in Ocala since 1971. I followed her here in 1985.
books, movies and music:
What are you currently reading?
A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith, The Garner Files by James Garner, Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
What kinds of music, movies and TV shows do you like? I love all kinds of music. My play list includes Steely Dan, Santana, the Eagles, the Carpenter’s and even one or two from Kid Rock. My favorite movie is Christmas Vacation and TV shows are The Rockford Files and Blue Bloods.
work:
Hardest thing you’ve ever done?
I started my first business, Victory Solutions, from an idea and I had to develop software and a team of 15 people.
Coolest thing you’ve ever done?
That would be entering the national grilling competition on Live with Kelly and Michael. I was on the show five times over four years. This led to Kelly and I starting Barbacuban, LLC.
pet peeves:
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People camping out in the left lane of the highway. That lane is for passing!
influence:
Who influenced your life the most?
J.D. Dority, my father-in-law. He was a successful businessman who drove Cadillac Eldorados. He would tell me to take risks. He would always say, “They can’t eat you.”
Who do you hope to influence?
Young entrepreneurs with a dream of starting their own business.
travel:
Do you have any trips planned?
Kelly and I are taking a camping trip out west to visit Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. I love American cars from 1961 to 1979 and soon will be going on my third Hot Rod Power tour, covering 3,000 miles in five days.
volunteer activity:
With what groups are you, or have you, been involved?
I consider cooking to be my ministry. I have cooked for more organizations that I can list, most recently the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Marion County Fire Rescue. I enjoy cooking for events at my church.
