About Me
From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Communities
Hi, I’m Julio Garcia, and my story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. Every chapter of my journey has shaped who I am today. From washing dishes on my parents’ front porch in Mexico to empowering small businesses and helping vulnerable communities in the U.S., this is the path that has defined me.
The Early Years: A Childhood of Responsibility
My journey as a business owner didn’t start with success; it began with struggle. At just six years old, I was already helping my parents run their small food business in Mexico. They sold meals from our front porch, and my job was to clean dishes for the next round of customers.
By the time I was eight, we opened a small shop called La Pasadita, selling flans, jellos, and fresh-squeezed juices. It was my first taste of what running a business felt like, but it wasn’t without challenges. Despite some success, my parents struggled to manage the finances, and I quickly learned that running a business took more than just hard work—it required discipline and structure.
When my father left for the U.S., everything changed. At the age of 10, I took on even more responsibility, including running the family business on my own when my parents were too discouraged to open the shop. It was a lot for a child, but it gave me the resilience and determination that would guide me for years to come.
Adjusting to Life in the U.S.
When I was 11 years old, we joined my father in the United States. Life here was different. I started collecting cans and stripping copper wire for extra money. By 14, I was working under a fake ID as a busboy, dishwasher, and eventually a cook. These experiences taught me valuable skills and built my work ethic.
One pivotal moment came when I convinced my mom to make her signature flans and jellos again. I went door-to-door selling them in apartment complexes and became known as “El Güero de las Gelatinas.” Soon, I expanded, stocking local supermarkets with our desserts on consignment. At just 15, I was managing distribution to seven stores in Dallas.
Facing Challenges and Finding Strength
At 17, my life took a drastic turn. After intervening during a domestic violence incident at home, my father was deported, and I felt the weight of guilt and responsibility. I worked two jobs—at Jamba Juice during the day and cleaning at night—to support my family, often going days without sleep.
Despite the challenges, I discovered a passion for marketing through network marketing. Although I briefly attended college on a scholarship, I had to drop out because of financial difficulties. But I didn’t let that stop me. I taught myself everything I could about business and marketing, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
Building Businesses and Breaking Cycles
In my early 20s, I got married and started a family. I joined my father in the construction industry and eventually launched Garcia’s Drywall Repair. Although the business grew, tensions between my father and me led to its closure.
Years later, my parents and I opened Doña Jacky, a snack shop in Waxahachie. The business thrived, earning over $350,000 in its first year, but family tensions resurfaced. I stepped away briefly, only to return with a new concept: El Quechido, a restaurant under the same roof as Doña Jacky. Together, we brought the business back to life, integrating community-focused initiatives like the Pay It Forward program, which provided meals and encouragement to those in need.
The Birth of Foodies Forward
Foodies Forward is more than a name — it’s our mission.
We’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and encouraging small, family-owned restaurants across the United States.
Through our videos, guides, and bilingual educational content, we help business owners gain clarity, confidence, and hope. Everything we create — from books to social media lessons — is completely free for restaurant owners and entrepreneurs.
As we continue to grow and our content becomes monetized, we use those resources — along with donations and support from Foodies Forward Agency — to pour back into small businesses. Sometimes that means showing up, buying out a restaurant for the day, or simply surprising a local family with a full house of support.
When you work with Foodies Forward Agency, you’re not just investing in marketing — you’re joining a movement. Ten percent of all agency income goes directly to support our nonprofit mission of spreading hope, love, and opportunity to small business owners everywhere.
Julio The Foodio
At Julio The Foodio, my mission is simple: to uplift and empower small businesses while staying rooted in faith. One of the ways I do this is by praying for the businesses I visit, asking for blessings, growth, and success in their journey.
Let’s Pray Together:
If you’re a business owner and would like us to pray for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be honored to include you in our prayers and support your journey however we can.
Watch The Video:
Join me and my family in a heartfelt prayer for the small businesses we support. Together, we believe in the power of faith to inspire and create lasting impact.
