The Story Behind
Hello Lumpia
A Jacksonville kitchen rooted in Filipino tradition.
Leo Alquiros
Founder & Owner, Hello Lumpia
Leo Alquiros discovered his love for food at a young age, growing up cooking and selling homemade dishes and baked goods in his hometown of Lucena City, Quezon Province, in the Philippines. After immigrating to the United States in the early 1990s, he spent eight years in corporate food research and development, deepening his understanding of flavor and technique.
His first catering opportunity came at his daughter's first birthday celebration in November 1990. The positive response — and growing support from the Filipino community through word of mouth — helped him build a steady part-time catering business, a dream that would eventually become his life's work.
From Catering to Tropical Hut
In 1999, Leo's longtime dream became a reality when he opened his first restaurant, Tropical Hut Philippine Cuisine, in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Over the years, he expanded to eight more locations across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Now, as his culinary ventures continue to grow, Leo is excited to bring his recipes and beloved Filipino delicacies to Florida — choosing Jacksonville as his newest destination.
Leo has always believed that food is best enjoyed when shared. In his spare time, he gives back by cooking and distributing free meals both in the U.S. and abroad — a reflection of his gratitude and commitment to the communities he serves. He's also active in organizing Let Us Share Our Blessings (LUSOB), an all-volunteer outreach program that offers food — and sometimes medical checkups — to communities in need.
Guided by passion, remarkable flavor, and a spirit of warm hospitality, Leo looks forward to making a meaningful contribution to the Jacksonville community.