Hispanic business owner in NC helps other entrepreneurs succeed

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — September is National Hispanic Heritage Month.

One man who moved to Greensboro has now built a successful business called Pangaea Bistro & Bar in Greensboro.

Juan Cirino moved to the United States from Puerto Rico in 2015. He learned from a young age what it meant to be a responsible business owner.

“My dad owns a gas station back home. I used to be that kid that when it was full-services and self-service gas stations. I would go to you and ask what type of grade of gas you wanted. Then I poured it for you for tips,” Cirino said.

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He shared how he learned valuable lessons from his father early on.

“My biggest day was $44 of tips … ‘Don’t spend it all. Be wise. Always save money for the rainy days,’” he said.

As a business owner himself, preparing for those rainy days paid off.

“Still to this day, there are rainy days in this business … I’ve been working in Greensboro for the past eight years, so I kind of know the waves of slow seasons, high seasons,” Cirino said.

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