La Gloria was created to celebrate the rich and delicious street foods of interior Mexico. From Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City and Tlayudas in Oaxaca to Pescado Zarandeado from the streets of Nayarit, Mexico’s street foods are as unique and colorful as its traditions, culture and people. When guests come to enjoy La Gloria’s food and drinks, they soon realize "No hace falta morir para llegar a la Gloria" (“You don’t have to die to go to Heaven”).
Chef Johnny Hernandez’s passion for food began at the early age of five in his father's restaurant and in his West Side San Antonio neighborhood. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park in New York and working in several exclusive resorts, he returned to San Antonio in 1994 and opened True Flavors Catering.
His latest venture, La Gloria, is consistently recognized by local and national media outlets. The restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary in May and received the Readers’ Choice award for Best New Restaurant in June and has been featured in Travel and Leisure, Texas Monthly and Bon Appetit. He continues to give back to his community by mentoring aspiring chefs and starting the Paella Challenge, an annual fundraiser that recently raised $55,000 in scholarships. Latest projects for Chef Hernandez include serving as the spokesman for McCormick Spice’s Asando Sabroso tour, heading the development of Stone Oak’s newest destination, Los Portales, and working on his cookbook and memoir: México Mi Gloria.
Hernandez has recently been honored with the titles of Business Owner of the Year by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Leader of the Year by the North Chamber.