New York, NY- The NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association announces the return of Jeffrey Garcia, restaurant and hospitality industry executive as President effective, July 14, 2022. Jeffrey Garcia previously served as President of the association from January 2018 to December 2021, with a short-term hiatus where he was integral in positioning the Latino community in an emerging market and will now return to his role as the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association’s President. The current interim President, Arelia Taveras, shepherded the association through a major growth stage and accomplishments including a successful first annual gala, a first of its kind meals program, spearheaded the association’s campaign for the return of the New York State approved Drinks To Go program as well as initiated the planning of a bi-coastal alliance to name a few.

As President, Garcia will continue to build on the growth of the association and focus on industry relations, program innovation and advocacy, membership development and community partnerships throughout New York State.

“It feels good to be back at the helm of the Latino Restaurant Association, representing members who are near and dear to my heart. I want to thank Arelia Taveras for all of her hard work, dedication and vision for this organization. We have a lot of work to do because our restaurants are still struggling but I feel confident that with the headway Arelia has made as Interim and a continued commitment and vision, we will make a difference in the lives of our members."-Jeff Garcia, President, NYS Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association

“It’s been an extreme honor to lead this prestigious organization and work alongside so many people I both admire and respect. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, from when I co-founded the organization in 2016 to the present. I have always and will always ensure the association members have a voice and will continue to advocate for them. I wish the incoming President, Jeffrey Garcia, the best of luck. We are in great hands.”
-Arelia Taveras, Former President

“It is with great honor to introduce Mr. Jeffrey Garcia back to the realm of the association. We have worked so hard and accomplished so much in the last few years. The NYS Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association is in the forefront of assisting minority-owned businesses in the continued pursuit to thrive in the current market after the effects of the Pandemic and Covid-19. As the Founder of the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association, it’s with great pleasure to support Jeff Garcia stepping into this new administration.”
-Elvis Silverio – Founder & Chairman, NYS Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association


Jeffrey Garcia is a restauranteur, accomplished entrepreneur, industry executive and community advocate with businesses in New York City, Providence, RI and internationally, in the Dominican Republic. Garcia is currently the Co-Owner of Wahizza, an Italian pizzeria and restaurant offering high-quality artisanal selections. He is also the Owner of Mon Amour Coffee & Wine, a Parisian-style Cafe in the Kingsbridge area of NYC. Garcia is also a former owner of a successful international financial service business.

Garcia is a retired NYPD 1st Grade Detective of the Organized Crime Control Bureau. Jeffrey Garcia’s expertise in community relations has played an integral role in working with various local New York City communities where he continues to advocate for community programs, small business initiatives to local business funding. Garcia also services as a Board member at top organizations and foundations including, The New York City Hospitality Alliance and the Latino Cannabis Association.

The NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (“NYSRBLA”) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization founded for the purpose of helping Hispanic and minority businesses succeed in commerce and industry, particularly, that of the food and beverage industry. NYSRBLA is one of the largest business organizations of its kind with over 350 restaurant members to date, ranging from individual Latino businessmen/women owning fast food establishments to gourmet larger restaurants to lounges and bars within the tri-state area. The association’s mission is advocacy, business training and legislative reform for the food and beverage industry, while simultaneously creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses throughout New York State.


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