Interview: Diego’s & Frida’s Mexican Cuisine, Alex Hernandez

There was a crackle of energy in Franklin, North Carolina, on February 21, 2021, when Alex Hernandez’s dream came true, and the restaurant he’d worked so hard to one day own, Frida’s & Diego’s Mexican Cuisine Restaurant, had its grand opening. It was a night of celebration Alex will never forget, an emigrant’s dream becoming reality, but only he knew all of the work that had gone into making his vision possible. 

Alex Hernandez’s story is one of perseverance. A Mexican emigrant who has lived in the United States for more than 15 years, he worked, saved, and learned with a steady discipline, never losing sight of his goal to own a restaurant of his very own. 

Born in the municipality of La Piedad, Michoacán in Mexico, Alex began working at the age of eleven in order to help his single mother with their living expenses. He focused on the positive, developing a strong work ethic and passion for helping others, which has helped guide him through his journey of owning a business. While new to running his own restaurant, Alex shared that it’s been a wonderful process where he’s been able to set short-term goals and work daily to achieve them. Just by speaking with Alex in this brief interview, you can feel a positive, happy, and hopeful energy radiating out from him that’s absolutely infectious. 

He shared that “the name of the restaurant is due to the admiration I’ve always had for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. I admire their lives, their art, their history, and their culture. When I had my vision for a restaurant, I always knew that I would use their names in some form. Frida's & Diego's is a unique restaurant. I wanted to create something beautiful, elegant and tasty!” 

Alex invites everyone to join him at Frida’s & Diego’s, so he can show them the truly authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, in an elegant, and classic atmosphere. 

"I’m very grateful to life, to the people who have helped me, and to God who gives us life and health so that we can serve others. I celebrate every day with a positive outlook remembering how grateful I am with the opportunity to wake up and work. I celebrate the dreams I’ve achieved so far.”

As far as his future goes, Alex sees himself embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth in his life, always stretching towards new heights. 

As we ended our interview, Alex let out a deeply tranquil sigh and said, “I eventually see myself buying my house and reaping those fruits that I’ve been planting and nurturing day to day.”

We know you will, Alex! We wish you and your restaurant, Frida's & Diego’s Mexican Cuisine, a beautiful and rewarding future!