In honor of National Burrito Day, Que Onda Magazine had the privilege of speaking with Nelly Quijano, a pioneering entrepreneur in the food industry. Alongside her late husband, Dominic Quijano, she played a key role in co-inventing the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito in Houston during the 1980s. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey from Cuba to the United States, the obstacles she overcame, and the impact she made on the fast-food industry.
A Journey of Resilience
Born in 1962, Quijano was among the 18,000 children flown to the United States as part of an effort by the U.S. government, the Department of State, and a Christian organization in Miami to provide freedom from Fidel Castro’s communist regime.
“For me, it was a very challenging time not being able to be with my parents,” Quijano recalls. “At the same time, it was terrifying, but it was also exciting. I arrived in a new country. I needed to learn the culture. I knew English, so that helped me a little bit. But trying to adapt to the new customs, it was kind of hard at the beginning—very, very hard. But I always lived by the words persistence and determination, so that really helped me get through, even at that age.”
From Entrepreneurial Spirit to McDonald’s Success
Quijano went on to own 30 McDonald’s locations.
“We were really busy,” she says. “I always had that entrepreneurial spirit, and my husband too, so we were both the same. We worked together.”
They initially ran a textiles business in New Jersey, but when it burned down in 1982, they sought new opportunities.
“When it happened, and we got the opportunity to get into McDonald’s, we figured McDonald’s is the American dream. What better company to get associated with?” she says. “So we took the opportunity and started training, and about a year and a half later, we became operators.”
In 1983, they moved to Houston and opened their first McDonald’s restaurant in 1984 in the heart of Magnolia. “The first few months were kind of hard because every business is different, and it’s hard at the beginning,” Quijano explains. “Even though it was McDonald’s, we had tough times at the beginning. But, like I said, hard work—that did it all.”
Overcoming Challenges
Challenges were inevitable, but Quijano was never one to back down.
“Challenges were many, but to me, there’s nothing that stops me,” she says. “The harder the challenge, the harder I work. So that’s how I was able to go through all of that. Don’t forget, there were also two of us, so it was easier between the two of us to go through all of that together and succeed.”
The Birth of the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito
Quijano and her husband introduced a breakfast item that millions of people enjoy daily—the McDonald’s Sausage Burrito.
“Being Cuban and being used to Latin flavors, coming from New York and getting into Houston, we saw so many Hispanics in the community and realized that McDonald’s had nothing to cater to our customers,” Quijano says. “My husband actually was the one that thought, ‘We need something for the Hispanic community here.’”
They experimented with different ingredients, working with their team and gathering feedback from customers. “Every day, we tried something different. We made burritos with hash browns because we didn’t want to bring new products to the restaurant. We wanted to do it with the products we already had. We made them with hash browns, with sausage, even with chorizo to try to bring a different flavor.”
They took their creations straight to the customers.
“We came out to the lobby every day, shared with them, and they would say, ‘A little more salt, less salt, more of this, more of that.’ So actually, it was a group effort, including our customers.”
A National Staple
Quijano never imagined the burrito becoming a national menu item.
“No, I didn’t, but I was hoping for it,” she says. “Every year when we celebrate another year, I know it’s a milestone. And I wish my husband was here to see it, but it just didn’t work that way.”
Though it was initially developed with the Hispanic community in mind, the burrito has gained widespread popularity. “It’s actually not only a Hispanic product. Many, many people of different nationalities enjoy it.”
The Influence of Cuban Heritage
Quijano’s Cuban roots played a major role in shaping her approach to food.
“In my house, food was the key,” she says. “In any Spanish house, really. We always got together with our family, and it all revolved around food. We cook food with love, and we celebrate traditions with food.”
While the Sausage Burrito isn’t specifically Cuban, the rich spices and flavors reflect her upbringing.
“It started with my Cuban roots,” she explains. “Although we don’t eat anything too hot, we eat very spicy—flavorful.”
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Seeing the McDonald’s breakfast menu still fills Quijano with pride. “It is an incredible feeling when I see that McDonald’s breakfast menu and I know that we created those products,” she says. “I feel very proud, not only because of the burrito itself, but because of the road that led me here. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, with hard work and passion, you can leave a lasting mark in everything you do.”
Words of Wisdom for Latinas and Hispanic Youth
Quijano encourages Latinas to dream big while understanding that success requires effort.
“I always say, no matter where you come from, don’t ever forget where you’re going. That’s the most important part,” she says.
“Don’t be afraid to dream big, but remember that dreams are built with effort. Surround yourself with good people, look for mentors, and never stop learning. And don’t be afraid to take risks. We took a lot of risks.”
She urges Hispanic youth to stay persistent. “Set your goals. Don’t get disappointed if you fall. If you fall, pick yourself up again. You will get there. If you have your goals and you are persistent about them, eventually you will get there. It’s just a matter of time.”
A Message to the Latino Community
Quijano highlights the abundance of community resources, from business mentors to financial advisors, that can help Latinos achieve their goals.
“People sometimes don’t know where to start. Look for help. There are a lot of people in our community willing to help. Getting help, looking for a mentor—that is key. And again, persistence.”
Final Thoughts
As the conversation concluded, Quijano expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her story.
“Thank you for inviting me. It’s been great.”
When asked about her go-to meal at McDonald’s, Quijano shares, “I love our classic Quarter Pounder, but I have to say that the Sausage Burrito has a special place in my heart. It’s a little bit of my story in every bite.”
Watch the full interview on YouTube. Keep up with more exclusive interviews featuring Houston’s Latino community with us on Que Onda Magazine.