Hispanic & Latin Heritage
At Kaseya Center, our celebration of Hispanic and Latin heritage isn’t limited to a month; it’s a 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year identity that informs everything we do—including what we serve. And all of it starts with the Hispanic men and women at the helm of our Food and Beverage operation, whose vibrant (and delicious) cultural backgrounds play just as big a part in the dishes as the ingredients themselves.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Hispanic background:
Jose Ferrufino | Director of Clubs
I was raised in El Salvador—a small country we call a magical corner of Central America. Growing up, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to work for an organization like the Miami HEAT. It’s not very common for people in my country to see someone in my position; that makes me incredibly grateful for the love and support the HEAT has given me, and their “Dale HEAT” campaign makes me feel even more included and valued as a Hispanic.
Albert Arguelles | General Manager, 601 Miami
I’m super proud of my Hispanic culture and love to share that flavor with the world, especially as a first-generation college graduate with opportunities both my parents and grandparents didn’t have.
Kassandra Cachazo | Senior Manager, Bacardi Ocho Lounge
I come from a proud Venezuelan family, and my upbringing has always centered around the values of hard work, love for family, and never forgetting where we come from. My family and I maintain a strong bond with our culture through our daily life and traditions, and that is something I cherish deeply.
Brian Hernandez | In-Seat Restaurant Manager
My entire family is from Cuba, so as a first-generation Miami native, I take great pride in the impact Cuba has had on this city—it inspires me to honor those whose hard work allowed me to have the opportunities I have today.
Your favorite Hispanic/Latin dish at Kaseya Center…GO!
Lomo Saltado
Jose: It would have to be the tequeños at the Bacardi Ocho Lounge or the main concourse’s TQMuch carts. I’m half Venezuelan, so each bit reminds of my grandma…but I’m torn because our new Lomo Saltado dish at Bacardi Ocho, although Peruvian-inspired, is still full of Latin flavor!
Nachos Encedidos
Albert: My favorite dish has to the Nachos Encedidos at 601 Miami and on the main c concourse—the best nachos in town, hands down!
Tequeños
Kassandra: The tequeño! It’s like a little piece of home that always brings back fond memories of my culture.
Cuban Sandwich
Brian: As a proud Cuban, it’s got to be the Cuban Sandwich at 601 Miami.
What does Hispanic and Latin culture mean to you?
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Jose: To me, it’s all about warmth, family and pride. Miami’s Latino energy is so strong that I always feel at home, much like I did growing up in El Salvador.
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Albert: Food, family and traditions—celebrating and embracing our roots as we branch out in to the world.
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Kassandra: It defines who I am. I take pride in being happy, hardworking and always looking for the positives in everything. All of it comes from my Venezuelan “sazón”, that flavor that’s in my blood.
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Brian: Culture is at the core of my family, from how I raise my daughter, to the dishes I cook at home.
How do you keep your Hispanic and Latin culture alive in your everyday life?
- Jose: I don’t have much of a choice—my whole family speaks only in Spanish! I speak a Salvadoran dialect with my brother at home, and it’s hilarious; people love our accent and unique words. I also have my grandmother over to visit every week, but honestly, it’s more about her cooking—I’m obsessed with her Venezuelan recipes!
- Albert: I try to keep my culture alive in everything I do, from café con leche and tostadas with my kids in the morning, to casual Spanish-language conversations with family members, to playing dominoes with my aunts and uncles.
- Kassandra: I live with my mom, who is 72, and my aunt, who is 83. Both are from Venezuela, and they only speak Spanish, so our home is filled with the traditions and warmth of our culture. One of the things that keeps our culture alive is our love for Venezuelan food, like enjoying arepas at any time of day. It’s a constant reminder of where we come from and keeps us connected to our roots.
- Brian: Speaking Spanish regularly with friends and family, cooking Cuban meals at home, and drinking lots of coladas.