Name: Lechonera DMV
Address: 800 Main Street, Laurel, MD, 20707, US
Telephone: 240-756-5359

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Get to know us

Lechonera DMV

Lechonera DMV was inspired by a family tradition that originated in the south of Puerto Rico. The concept pays homage to a unique, traditional wood fire cuisine, and presents Puerto Rico’s iconic dish, “Lechon Asao,” the same way it has been preserved for years on the island.

Lechonera DMV embodies celebration, taking center stage with a warm, smoky rotisserie that represents coming together as a community. It is also inspired by “La Ruta del Lechón” in Guavate. “La Ruta del Lechón” is a legendary route that travels through the central mountains of Puerto Rico. It has gained cultural status among Puerto Ricans for its abundance of “Lechoneras,” rustic, open-fire roadside joints that specialize in wood-roasted, pig-on-a-stick, called, “Lechón a la Vara.”

Today, our mission is to nourish the neighborhood with a burst of smoke, elevating the cultural heritage of Lechonera with a very personal approach. Enjoy!

Meet the Team

Richard Torres “El Chef”

Richard was born and raised in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, where he was exposed to an unique style of Caribbean cooking culture “Cocina Criolla”.

Being a son of a Chef from early on, he knew the importance of gathering around the table, as well as watching his great grand father roast pigs (one of his greatest memories). During his time as a student at Johnson and Wales University he also worked his way up in professional kitchens alongside with Mario Corona. Richard’s culinary philosophy and passion reflects the growing trend towards a healthier and down-to-earth lifestyle while honoring his skills and family traditions.

Mario Ernesto Corona Ruiz
"El Lechonero"

Mario was born and raised in Aguada, Puerto Rico. As a child, he spent a lot of his time in the kitchen with his mom. In 2011, Mario moved to Miami to study culinary arts at Johnson and Wales university, which is where he met Richard. His culinary endeavors brought Mario to the Washington, DC area in 2017. During a casual afternoon conversation with Richard the idea of Lechonera DMV was born. Mario loves to connect with people through food and what a better way than paying homage to his roots with a plate of Lechon Asao’.

Keysi Torres

Born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, Florida where she studied at Johnson & Wales University and met Amy, Mario and Richard.

After graduating with a Bachelors in Food & Beverage Management, Keysi worked in several restaurants in Miami and then took a position as a Food Safety inspector for the state of Florida for three years. From then on her and her husband Richard moved to Virginia where she works for a private restaurant group as the internal food safety inspector and culture systems manager.

Amy Molina

Amy is a first-generation Cuban-American born and raised in Hialeah, FL. She grew up eating “puerco asado” at every single family function. Her mom is from Camagüey where the lechon is asado en “púa” aka a spit… very similar to how it’s made here at Lechonera DMV! During the day, Amy manages the training and events program at a local non-profit association. On her free time, she loves to travel and attend concerts. Amy is the fun godmother of Mila, Luna, & Richard and proud dog mom of Benito (yes, like Bad Bunny).

Hugo Fortiz

Hugo was born in El Salvador, Central America, and at a young age moved with his parents to New York City. It was there he was first introduced and found his love for different cultures of food. His appreciation for Puerto Rican food is second to none, his wife Melinda is Puerto Rican and introduced him to the Puerto Rican culture, cuisine, and La isla del encanto. Over the years he has been emerged in the Puerto Rican culture and prides himself on the love of the cuisine.

Take a Closer Look

Welcome to the
“Lechonera DMV Experience”

Puerto Rico’s culture is a colorful mix of old and new, mixing Taino indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. You’ll find expressions of that culture all around the island from bomba dance to lively festivals that fill the streets and on our very unique culinary repertoire. Whether you want to look, listen, or join right in, immerse yourself in the vibrant and warm culture of Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua. It’s a unique name that honors our Island heritage, but it’s also a way of life, a state of mind, a rhythm and flavor that is distinctly Puerto Rico. Once you celebrate with us, you’ll find that spirit in yourself, we invite you to experience Puerto Rico the Boricua way.

Join the "party in the street or at home” vibe at traditions like eating Lechon Asao “wood roasted pig” and drinking piña coladas during your special event. No matter what time of year, culture is present in every corner of our Caribbean paradise.

Let us bring our home away from home to you and yours!