DMV Restaurateur Named to Richard Sandoval Hospitality’s 2026 Old Ways, New Hands Class

Gaithersburg's Henry Blanco and four other Latin food and beverage entrepreneurs selected for Chef Richard Sandoval’s business accelerator program 

Washington, DC—Today, during the first week of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Chef Richard Sandoval proudly announced the 2026 class of Old Ways, New Hands, his business accelerator program designed to elevate and empower the next generation of Latin food and beverage entrepreneurs. The new class includes one DMV-based entrepreneur, Henry Blanco of El Viejo Central American Kitchen in Gaithersburg, Maryland, a restaurateur honoring family heritage and bringing Central American flavors into a fast-casual format.

Gaithersburg-based restaurateur Henry Blanco leads El Viejo Central American Kitchen, a fast-casual concept inspired by Central American home cooking. Named in honor of his father, El Viejo brings traditional dishes like arepas and cachapas into a modern and accessible dining experience. Henry’s vision is to expand El Viejo from the DMV into new markets while preserving its emotional and cultural authenticity.

“Culinary identity is a cultural movement, not a trend,” said Chef Richard Sandoval. “Old Ways, New Hands is about honoring our roots while accelerating entrepreneurs toward ownership and impact. This class represents the talent and vision that will define the next chapter of Latin food and drink globally.”

This year’s class, reflecting the future of culinary innovation and cultural preservation, includes Fernanda Govaz of Celzo Agua Fresca (Austin, TX), Edwin Sandoval of Xatrucho Concepts (Denver, CO), Henry Blanco of El Viejo Central American Kitchen (Gaithersburg, MD), Norma Zuniga of Dulce Dreams Café (Charlotte, NC), and Alejandro Macias of Qué Sazón Foods (Austin, TX).

In 2026, the class will travel to join Chef Sandoval for an immersive workshop and symposium of business learning. The multi-day program, hosted by Sandoval and a team of industry experts, will cover everything from brand storytelling, licensing, and costing to digital marketing and financial strategy. Through hands-on coaching and mentorship, these entrepreneurs will gain the tools, networks, and knowledge to accelerate their businesses and achieve their long-term goals.

Launched in 2024, Old Ways, New Hands is more than a program, it’s a movement. The initiative provides mentorship, operational toolkits, and visibility for culinary entrepreneurs who are preserving ancestral knowledge while shaping the future of dining.

About Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Richard Sandoval Hospitality is a leading restaurant group founded by Mexican-born chef, restaurateur, television personality and philanthropist Richard Sandoval. Known for offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience, this internationally recognized contemporary Latin restaurant group successfully owns and operates over 60 restaurant concepts around the globe. US restaurant locations span 10 states and the District of Columbia – as well as internationally in 11 countries including Canada, Costa Rica, Greece, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Qatar, Serbia, St Kitts, Turkey and the UAE. For a complete list of restaurants and more information, please visit www.richardsandoval.com. 

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