The "Sandwich" Generation!

La Esperanza is most definitely a family business.  And like all families, there are dynamics to be deciphered and lots of compromises to be had!

Mama and Papa are the top slice of bread in the generational conglomerate at La Esperanza.    Matthew, Jacob, Joshua and Alejandro are the bottom slice - the base that takes all the weight!  And the meat in the middle of the sandwich is a mixture of old and new and the meld of two families....

Meet the MIDDLE GENERATION:


Francisco Queiruga:

Our mechanic and oldest son-in-law, Frank, is a native of Galicia, Spain.  Born on July 28, 1948, he worked as a Merchant Marine and traveled the world while working as a mechanic on the boats.   He came to United States in the early 1970's and soon found his way to our first site in Englewood, New Jersey on S. Dean Street.  It was here that he first set his eyes on the "bosses daughter" who was working in the office during Summer vacation....  

Elena Queiruga:  

Elena is Heriberto and Margarita's eldest of two daughters.  Born in NYC, on May 17, 1956, she graduated from CW Post University, in Long Island, NY in 1978.  Although she majored in Spanish, life has a way of making a full circle and she came back to her old summer job at La Esperanza, full time after graduation.   She manages the office, takes care of payroll and accounts receivable and looks after all the guys in the family!

Elena and Francisco were married in May of 1977.  They have one son, Alejandro, who lives in California, studying engineering.

Peter Rodsan:

Peter is a native of New Jersey, of Cuban descent.  Born on August 24, 1960, he grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey.  Peter attended Paramus Catholic Boy's High School and studied at NJIT in Newark, NJ.  Although he majored in Nuclear Engineering, flour has always run in his veins since his grandfather, Brigido and Herbie's uncle, Jose owned Popular Bakery when he was a boy!

Peter married his high school sweetheart, Gena, in February of 1983.  Gena is Herbie's youngest daughter and Peter fit right into family at La Esperanza.  He started out as a route-man in 1981 and delivered bread in the Bronx and Harlem.  Eventually, he switched to days and now handles not only the drivers, routes and production, but is the buyer as well.  Peter and Gena have three grown sons - Matthew, Jacob and Joshua and a lovely daughter-in-law, Alexa.

  But, their story, the story of the bottom layer of the La Esperanza sandwich, is for another day!