Javier Huesca came to America 20 years ago on a work visa from Mexico City and met his wife, Courtney, while working at an Italian restaurant in Newbury Township.
Javier Huesca came to America 20 years ago on a work visa from Mexico City and met his wife, Courtney, while working at an Italian restaurant in Newbury Township.
The young entrepreneur started CJ Landscape in 2013 with a push mower, building a professional landscaping business and snowplowing company that now services all of Geauga and parts of Lake, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula counties.
Ten years later, he discovered an opportunity to branch out and bring a piece of his Latin roots to the heart of Newbury, opening El Flamazo Mexican Supermarket at 11400 Kinsman Road — diagonally across the street from his landscaping business — in July of 2023.
“We are proud to be supporters of the local community and serve the residents of Geauga County,” said Huesca, who settled with his family in Burton.
Huesca’s wife, Courtney, has been a huge supporter and helped develop the store.
“She is a full-time nurse practitioner and often visits with the kids to make my day,” Huesca said.
Together, the couple has six children.
“My mother and abuela (grandma) taught me to be hardworking, reliable and self-sufficient,” Huesca said. “I hope to teach my children the same values.”
Huesca is proud to be carrying on his Latino roots. Most of his workers are Latino, which was a big motivator for him to open the supermarket, noting the closest South American retailers from Geauga County are in Painesville and Bedford.
“I wanted to provide a unique opportunity for all residents to get fresh produce, dairy, meat and basic household staples in a place that is close and affordable,” Huesco said.
El Flamazo carries a large array of authentic foods from Mexico like beans, peppers, tortillas, a variety of snacks, spices, ice cream, meat, as well as a large selection of candy, beverages and paper products.
They now have Geauga County grown produce, dairy and fresh farm eggs, as well as a wide variety of South American and American made beer.
“We offer authentic ingredients that are traditional to South American culture, such as locally made tortillas and fresh chips and salsa among tons of herbs and spices,” Huesca said. “On the weekend, we have a donation-based sampling of authentic homemade tacos that we get rave reviews from.
“I enjoy serving customers of all ethnicities and am proud to represent the culture from which I come from,” he added. “It’s neat to see Mexicans enjoy a taste of home locally, but also enjoyable to see the local community learn about South American culture and show interest in our foods and spices.”
Huesca hopes visitors learn about the culture and practices of Mexico and other South American cultures when they stop in.
Veladoras, candles decorated with religious motifs and symbols of faith and devotion — popular in Hispanic culture — line a shelf, along with pinatas near the entrance.
“Food plays a vital role in South American tradition and I am pleased to share that with the local community,” Huesca said. “I also hope to give immigrants and the local Mexican community a chance to visit a home away from home.”
Being an entrepreneur has always been Huesca’s vision, and moving to America from Mexico provided him with many opportunities he is grateful for, he said.
“It is my hope that it benefits the community and combines a touch of diversity while supporting other local businesses,” Huesca said. “I am proud to call Geauga County my home.”
El Flamazo Mexican Supermarket is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
