When Arnaldo Diaz ’16 thinks about graduation, he doesn’t just see a hard-earned bachelor’s degree in business management — he sees the opportunity to grab his dream, provide for his family and give back to his hometown of Jersey City.
Originally inspired by his family’s passion for cooking, Diaz, 41, has had a longtime dream of opening his own restaurant. However, it was his wife and three children as well as his self-confidence that motivated him to get in the classroom to make that dream a reality. Now, with graduation just beyond the horizon, the self-described entrepreneur-in-the-process is on his way to opening “La Historia” in the heart of downtown Jersey City.
“Life is hard, but you must endure the test of life to reach success,” said Diaz. “My restaurant will be my ultimate life changing experience that will affect many lives.”
Diaz described La Historia as a fine dining restaurant that will feature his own hand-selected menu. He said he is planning on opening it in the downtown area where La Historia’s preservation of Jersey City history will make it stand apart from other businesses.
“I believe every city has a rich history that can be told over a wonderful meal,” explained Diaz. “I hope to present my customers with an experience that will start in their mouths and end with their hearts and minds.”
Diaz largely credits Saint Peter’s to helping him prepare for La Historia. Since transferring to Saint Peter’s with an associate’s degree in culinary arts in 2013, Diaz’s described his education at Saint Peter’s as one that has helped him grow both personally and professionally. Through engaging faculty and classes, an array of resources and networking opportunities, Diaz said he has been able to absorb valuable information that enabled him to create something at one time he didn’t think possible: a thorough business plan for La Historia.
“What better place to receive a quality education that at Saint Peter’s University, which has been a big pioneer in making its own historical mark in Jersey City, the very city I love.”