He was born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1948, where he grew up on a farm and learned to make cheese, sausages and dry beef from his mother and grandmother.
Pepín is also a brand spokesperson for packaged-goods companies such as Sun-Maid Baking Raisins, Green Giant, Stouffer's, Coca-Cola, Borden, Uncle Ben's Rice, Tyson Foods and Knorr Soups & Seasonings [3] and makes numerous personal appearances,[4] specifically representing Knorr for in-store demonstrations and endorsements.
[5] Maria Garza of the Mexican American Council, for whom Pepín has emceed events, has called him “a national treasure”, stating “he’s not just the TV personality, the Chef.
Additionally he also works to teach Latin & Hispanic Americans to prepare healthier versions of classic dishes without sacrificing flavor.
[1] Chef Pepín is married to his high school sweetheart Telvy, he has two children Anamaria and Jose Antonio and resides in Miami.