When you visit the Hispanic Food Network Facebook page it’s a flurry of activity these days. That’s for good reason. HFN’s Marketing Director Tony Moreno is keeping a close eye on every new post from Valley Latino restaurants. “This is my passion. I want to see these restaurants thrive. Especially during this challenging time,” said Moreno.
Moreno joined the Hispanic Food Network team in December of 2019. It was a chance meeting with founder Mike Gonzalez that brought the pair together. Gonzalez was shooting a segment in Food City in South Phoenix when Moreno walked in the door looking for supplies to make Tamales for the Christmas season. “We instantly hit it off. Tony has such great energy. He really knows Hispanic cuisine. He has owned a restaurant – so he knows what it’s like to be on that side of it. Besides all that, Tony has such a passion for people and I love that about him, ” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was a news anchor the NBC affiliate in Phoenix for several years before recently moving to Washington state – ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s allowed Moreno to take the reigns in the Phoneix metro area. During this time of crisis, Moreno has worked overtime to make sure all Valley restaurants are getting the publicity they need to survive.
Gonzalez is also sharing with HFN followers who’s open in Seattle, and Eastern Washington.
“I’ve been talking with restaurants, visiting and making sure their posts get shared on our social media platforms. We have an amazing following in both Arizona and Washington. The hope is to continue to grow HFN. Ultimately the goal is to go nationwide and then worldwide with this. I just want to stay really positive right now. The world needs more love and positivity right now in the midst of this crisis,” said Moreno.
“Tony has been amazing. I think restaurant owners really see how passionate he is about this. He really cares that the restaurants thrive,” said Gonzalez
As for what the future holds, both Gonzalez and Moreno are taking it one day at a time. “We just need to see what happens with the pandemic but in the meantime keep supporting the restaurants that support us,” said Gonzalez.
“This is our passion and we will not let this pandemic stop us. We are committed to supporting the restaurants. Once this is over we can’t wait to get out there and start shooting the show again,” said Moreno.
You can contact Tony Moreno 480-930-3695 or hfntvtony@gmail.com