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About Amaya’s Fresh Mexican Grill

Founders Larry and Sue Amaya

Larry and Sue came to the area as migrants working the farms in and around Monroe County, Michigan.

Most notably the Eiperly Farm, where Larry still recounts fond memories of Mr. Eiperly and how well he treated the migrant families who traveled and worked his family farm.

In 1969, Larry hired into Ford Monroe Stamping Plant, becoming a supervisor and later traveling to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, assisting with the plant in Mexico as an American Advisor for Ford Motor Company. Sue worked for the State of Ohio, retiring in 2007. She is also the main inspiration for all the dishes made at the restaurant today.

Tino Amaya, Head Chef and Partner

Tino began his professional career at the young age of 11, washing dishes and learning to cook in his grandparents’ restaurant, Los Amigos Family Restau- rant, in Toledo, Ohio. Chef Tino credits his grandmother with giving him the passion to re-create the avors he grew up on, making everything the way she did, from scratch.

After moving to Texas to attend High school and college, his big break came after being hired by Eateries, Inc. where he entered a culinary apprenticeship and began his culinary training in Dallas, Texas. Upon completion of his training, Eateries dispatched him around the country opening restaurants, allowing him insights into the restaurant business above and beyond the culinary, to the actual economics of it as well. He and his family have called the area home for over 15 years. He and his wife Jennifer have 5 children.

Marc Amaya, CFO and Partner

After attending Michigan State University and working with State Farm Insurance Company for 5 years, Marc opened his own successful independent agency in 2008. After waiting tables and cooking to help support his way through college, Marc always wanted to open a restaurant with his brother. It was this dream that led him to partner up with his older brother in opening their rst restaurant in Maumee, Ohio. Marc has two children with his wife, and fellow Sparty, Rebecca; they live in Lapeer, MI.