ORLANDO, Fla. – Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15th through October 15th. A time where Spectrum News celebrates contributions of Hispanics in our community.
As we wrap up the month, we look at how a Central Florida grandmother is inspiring travelers from around the world.
Long lines at Zaza’s Coffee Bar spill into Terminal A at Orlando International Airport.
Known for great coffee, fresh made-to-order sandwiches and warm smiles, the Cuban Café is one of the most popular restaurants at MCO.
And chances are if you’ve stopped by in the past 10 years, cashier Carmen Campos served you.
“I love to work. I don’t, I don’t want to stay in my house all the time,” Campos beamed.
Immigrating from Venezuela, the grandmother of two came out of retirement nearly a decade ago to help her grandsons after her daughter died.
And she’s been serving up Zaza’s signature coffee, with a side of compassion ever since.
“I work in there 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Yeah,” she said.
Director of Operations for Non-Traditional Zaza, Andrew Childress, said Carmen finds a way to put travelers at ease.
“She’s like a breath of fresh air when she sees you, right? “Cause, ‘Hey how are you? And, ‘What?’ ‘How are you doing today?’ What? I’m in an airport. What are we doing here? I’m just trying to get my stuff,’’ Childress explained.
“They’re mad they just went through TSA. They got screened. They spent all their money at Disney. They did whatever, right? But they’re coming to the airport. They’re not expecting anything. And then they get a Carmen, with a smiling face. Who’s dancing to the music that’s going on.”
And at nearly 80 years young, Childress said the Abuelita, the Spanish word for grandmother, has more energy than people half her age. She often works back-to-back shifts – the first starting at 3 a.m.
“It’s wild. It’s don’t know what. It’s in the food. It’s in the coffee or what. But she is, she’s nonstop. She’s a mover. She’s talking to people. She doesn’t like to sit still, which is awesome. And she, she takes care of people.”
While the Venezuelan immigrant’s English is still a work in progress, Childress said her warm smile and huge heart speak volumes.
“Genuine translates to any language right?” When you care and you’re great and you say whatever, genuine translates,” Childress added.
The 78-year-old cashier reinvented herself after retiring from the oil industry, not only for a paycheck but she stressed for the people.
“I think this is my secret. Yeah! I love you the person you know. Tener de contacto con las personas. Hola. Como estas? Como te sientes?” Carmen encouraged us all to get to know other people. Think about how they feel. “Si conocer qué la otra persona? Como se siente la otra persona. Porque no sabemos la otra persona esta pasando on ice.” Because she said you never know what they are going through.
Timeless advice from a woman who’s lived and loved enough for two lifetimes.
Childress said Carmen is the embodiment of the Hispanic culture. “I’ve never experienced a culture where if you come into the house, you’re automatically family.”
Carmen was recognized a few years ago, receiving the airport’s highest customer service award after a traveler raved on Google about Carmen and her service at Zaza.