Philadelphia, PA – During Hispanic Heritage Month, Impacto wants to honor a visionary who, in just a few years, has made a significant difference in the lives of many fortunate enough to cross his path. Víctor Tejada, a prominent Dominican entrepreneur, shared his inspiring story and commitment to the Latino community in the United States during an interview with Impacto. Since arriving in Philadelphia, Víctor has worked tirelessly to improve conditions for local restaurants and delivery drivers through his innovative platform, Delivery Guys App.
His story begins in his native country, where his background in art and design provided a solid foundation for his future. However, his journey was not without its challenges. After moving to Philadelphia in 2017 to work at Comcast, Víctor faced the reality of being an immigrant in a new country, where cultural and economic barriers can be overwhelming.
After leaving his job at Comcast, he became a delivery driver for platforms like Uber, GrubHub, and DoorDash. During this time, he realized that many Hispanic restaurants were being excluded from the food delivery market, which led him to ponder how he could help these businesses thrive. This experience motivated him to create Delivery Guys, a platform that connects independent restaurants with delivery services and allows them to compete in a market dominated by large chains.
He recognized the challenges faced by his community in navigating a complex delivery market. «I saw the struggle of my community and knew there was an opportunity to help,» he commented. With this vision, he decided to create a solution that integrated technology and marketing to increase order volume for local restaurants. His approach has allowed numerous small businesses to stay afloat in a challenging economic environment.
The current economic situation of the Latino community in Philadelphia, especially in the context of the end-of-year holidays, was another topic addressed in the interview. «There are many who are struggling and are closing, but there are also others who are opening,» he explained, referring to the growth of new restaurants in the region. He emphasized that, despite the challenges, the restaurant industry is experiencing a resurgence, with a significant increase in the issuance of licenses for new establishments. «This year, twice as many restaurant licenses have been issued than in previous years here in Philadelphia,» he added, underlining the resilience of the entrepreneurial community.
Gastronomy and practical solutions
Víctor was also optimistic about the future of Latin cuisine in the city. «I’ve seen an increase in the diversity of the culinary offerings, with more Latin and Mexican restaurants opening in areas that previously had no representation,» he noted. This growth benefits restaurant owners and enriches the cultural experience of the city, offering residents and visitors a variety of gastronomic options.
Víctor has not been content with his business success and the benefits it has brought to the lives of a growing number of employees and restaurants; he is now working on an initiative to address malnutrition and food insecurity in his community. «We are seeking an action plan that allows people to access hot and dignified meals,» he stated. This initiative focuses on facilitating the use of food assistance programs that allow beneficiaries to purchase prepared food at local restaurants. Currently, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in Pennsylvania only allows the purchase of unprepared or cold food, and his proposal would expand this to include prepared foods, which would benefit both users and small Latin restaurants, in particular. «The reality is that many families do not have access to a proper kitchen, and that limits their options,» he explained, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible and practical solutions.
Commitment to the community
While aware of the importance of political representation, this visionary’s passion seems to be more focused on entrepreneurship and direct support for his community, rather than active participation in the political sphere. «It’s nice to think that they can eat a hot meal, even if it’s just once a week and get together as a family,» he reflected, and at the same time emphasized the relevance of dignity in food. Víctor believes it is essential for political leaders to listen to the needs of the community and work together to create policies that benefit everyone.
The initiative has a clear and defined goal, which is to facilitate access to hot meals for people who use the SNAP food assistance program. This goal focuses on allowing SNAP beneficiaries to enjoy prepared meals at restaurants, instead of just receiving take-out or unprepared food products.
Once this goal is achieved, Víctor suggests that there could be a continuation of the initiative, but with a different focus. The idea of creating a «classified» involves developing a platform or system that informs people about the restaurants participating in this program and that offer meals that can be paid for with their SNAP cards.
The Dominican shared his vision of a future where the Latino community in Philadelphia not only survives but thrives. «We are in conversations with many legislators and organizations to create a real impact,» he expressed, and extended an invitation to the community to participate in this noble cause. His enthusiasm and dedication are contagious, and his message resonates with those who seek to make a difference in their own communities, as is the case with State Representative Danilo Burgos, who has shown interest in this initiative.
Talent on the move: the impact of migration
Migration has significantly influenced the growth of individuals like Víctor Tejada in the United States, a phenomenon that can be analyzed from several perspectives:
Cultural diversity and creativity: The arrival of migrants, like Víctor from the Dominican Republic, has enriched American society. His cultural background allowed him to see opportunities and create solutions in the delivery market for his community.
Entrepreneurship and new opportunities: Faced with challenges, many migrants start their own businesses. Víctor founded Delivery Guys App after his experience as a delivery driver, which has allowed him to create opportunities for others.
Economic contribution: Migrant entrepreneurs drive economic growth and generate jobs. Víctor’s company not only supports local restaurants but also supports delivery drivers.
Support networks and collaboration: Migration fosters collaborative networks between communities. Víctor works with legislators and organizations to solve problems such as food insecurity.
Skill development: The migratory experience leads migrants to develop new skills in areas such as business management and technology, which greatly contributes to the work environment.
With each new initiative he presents, Víctor is not only developing a business but also a bridge between cultures and a platform that allows independent restaurants to thrive in a competitive market. His story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of community in the path to success.
With his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the community, Víctor Tejada has become a role model for many in Philadelphia and beyond. His example reaches Latinos who seek extraordinary changes with effort and commitment. «When we win the most is when we have extremely positive experiences in our lives,» he concluded, and reminded that true success is not always measured in economic terms, but in the impact one can have on the lives of others; and in his case, his interest in improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable makes him a visionary of IMPACT.
For more information and to sign the petition, visit Community Tables PA: https://www.communitytablespa.org/.
