WHO: Restaurateur Fausta Salvitierra, a native of Pachuca, Mexico, opened Cocina Latina, in 2005. Salvitierra had worked in other area restaurants when this opportunity presented itself. On her menu are regional Mexican specialties: huaraches — oval-shaped house-made corn tortillas slathered with black beans, quesco fresco, layered with tangy bits of nopales and house-made Mexican chorizo; Mexican subs, or tortas; and lamb barbecue. Recently, she sold her second location on Sharon Amity (but the new owners have retained the name). Her answers were translated by her son Antonio.
Creative Loafing: What has your experience been to be a woman in the food industry in Charlotte?
Fausta Salvitierra: I really had no experience before opening this place, but I wanted to bring real Mexican flavor to Charlotte. I was a single mom to three boys and this was an opportunity.
What is your advice to other women who want to open a restaurant?
To have love for the job and wanting to succeed. I am the most satisfied when my customers enjoy their food.