José Humberto Rodríguez was born in Risaralda, Colombia, he decided to migrate to Spain in the 90s looking for better opportunities. He left behind his life as a police officer during one of the most difficult times in Colombia, to find a new path in Madrid.
The beginnings of José Humberto Rodríguez in Spain
Rodriguez began selling clothes and food on the streets. Faced with labor difficulties, he decided to venture into selling fritters and empanadas, which led him to present himself as a baker when his daughter fell ill and needed social assistance.
“I was a police officer in Colombia and I had to go through tough times, the 90s. I came to Spain and when I got here the work was complicated, I ended up working with some Chinese people loading and unloading trucks,” said José.
The birth of Joseph
What started as a small street vendor became Josepán, a chain of bakeries and pastry shops in Madrid. With more than 30 years in the market, Josepán now has nine branches and employs 150 people, of which 85% are Colombian.
“I sold clothes, I sold food, I sold many things. I started making fritters and empanadas, and on one occasion my daughter Manuela got sick. and I had to take her to social assistance and they asked me what I did for a living and I couldn’t say that I was a street vendor, so I said ‘no, well, I was a baker,'” he added.
Expansion and typical products
In addition to breads and pastries, Josepán has diversified its offering with Colombian products such as pandebono, chicharrona, pan de la abuela, arepa rellena, among others. Recently, Rodríguez opened a new branch on Paseo de la Castellana, where it also offers typical Colombian dishes. It started with 16 employees and today it generates 150 jobs.
“We are going for 30 years as such of Josepán, but at this moment We have a very varied concept of bakery, pastry shop, cafeteria, imported products, a very wide range within them the typical Colombian cuisine.“, he said.
A reference for Colombians in Spain
For many Colombians in Madrid, visiting Josepán is like being at home. Rodríguez has become a reference point not only for the Colombian communitybut also for Madrid residents looking to taste the best of Colombian cuisine.
“I never imagined that it would turn out to be this way, a businessman with recognition not only at the Colombian level, but at the Spanish level is very satisfying. Right now I represent a community, we are a reference for Colombians, because we showed what we were capable of doing, with many values and strengths that we have, the thriving race that identifies us,” he pointed out.
Source: https://www.noticiascaracol.com/mundo/un-policia-retirado-conquista-a-los-madrilenos-en-espana-con-el-sabor-de-colombia-rg10
