Chris Cardenas has a nine to five job corporate job at a private money lending company, but during his “off time,” he’s likely standing at a grill or wok.
Cardenas this month opened a new hibachi business, Hibachi La Ceiba, where the main dishes are made with his own house made teriyaki that comes in sweet or spicy varieties and contains a little less salt than most teriyaki.
His eatery is located at eating haven Parkville Market where he also owns Burrito Loco.
“I love restaurants, the heat of the grill and all that good stuff,” Cardenas said. “I like the human interaction, the customer service. When people are hungry I like to serve good food.”
Chris Cardenas this month opened a new hibachi business, Hibachi La Ceiba, in Hartford. (Courtesy)
Cardenas, 33, who is business partners with mom, Fanny Schatz, said he wanted to open another food space at the ever-growing Parkville Market with his mom. He did some research and found there were no hibachi-style eateries nearby.
Although he has no Japanese roots — the family is from Honduras — he immersed himself in recipes, learned the style and perfected recipes. He used colleagues at Parkville Market as taste-testers.
Chris Cardenas this month opened a new hibachi business, Hibachi La Ceiba, in Hartford. (Courtesy)
His staff uses a grill and a wok.
The Japanese-style foods are made with a choice of chicken, beef or shrimp and lots of vegetables. Cardenas offers mixture of squash, carrots, onions, mushrooms broccoli, red pepper, cabbage, and onion, separated into two blends. Any of his dishes can be made vegetarian friendly.
He even carries buttered noodles, a favorite of children.
“I wanted people to have the option to customize it,” he said of the menu.
Chris Cardenas this month opened a new hibachi business, Hibachi La Ceiba, in Hartford. (Courtesy)
He started in the food business as a teen in the McDonald’s drive-through.
Cardenas, who has a full staff with managers, says he splits the time between his corporate and food jobs.
“You’ll always get a warm plate of food,” he promises.
He has a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from Central Connecticut State University.
Carlos Mouta, owner of Parkville Market, said he tastes all the cuisine of his tenants and the hibachi is “delicious.”
Cardenas said his goal is to “expand the brand” and maybe someday open a full service “Spanish themed restaurant.”
“Right now I want to see where this goes,” he said. “Maybe I’ll wake up one day and want to be a teacher,” he said with a chuckle.
