Hit the Spot Kitchen: Building Community Through Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but Hit the Spot Kitchen has found their way into Fredericksburg’s heart through their food. Building community through delicious cuisine and founded by Maria and Will Negron, this unique catering and takeout business has been serving the community for a decade, transforming from Will's Place into the beloved Hit the Spot Kitchen we know today.

Will's 30 years of culinary experience is complemented by Maria's unique perspective as a licensed therapist. Their partnership is a perfect blend of culinary expertise and emotional intelligence. Maria explains, “Food is an important part of mental wellness, so it makes sense that we use this to work together.” This unique partnership is a key factor that sets their business apart.

A Philosophy Rooted in Community

The Negrons have built their business on a simple yet powerful philosophy: “CommUNITY through food that brings you a unique, authentic, and flavorful lifetime experience.” This isn't just marketing speak but rather a lived reality. Their client relationships span generations, with families returning for milestone celebrations throughout their lives.

“We have experienced kids growing up with us and eating our food. We have had families call us for baby showers, birthday parties, graduations, and weddings in their families,” Maria shares, illustrating the bonds they've forged through their culinary craft.

“One of our favorite community inspired dishes is a take on a classic empanada or empanadillas– the difference is size and shape, and we use the terms interchangeably,” Maria explains. “The Zeke (pronounced ‘Zeek’), is an empanada inspired by one of the goalies from the North Stafford Soccer Team.”

“Early on, we provided services on the truck for the team and this one kid started coming regularly,” Will continues. “He would order Nachones and position himself at a stand by the truck, and he would crush it. We are a soccer family!  He was a crazy goalie who was obviously a closet foodie. We had no choice but to name one of our most popular empanadas after him!” Thus, the ‘Zeke’ was born in honor of Ezekiell the goaltender at North Stafford. 

“We have even catered the same amazing family’s Halloween shindig for the last 10 years,” Will says. “She was our first catering lead from Thumbtack.” 

These enduring relationships demonstrate how Hit the Spot Kitchen has become woven into the fabric of the Fredericksburg community. 

More Than Just Food

What truly distinguishes Hit the Spot Kitchen is its approach to hospitality and connection. “We are not just a regular food place. I mean, we can be. But we cook from a place of openness,” Maria explains. This openness extends to their diverse menu offerings, which range from traditional Puerto Rican dishes to fusion creations, all served through their deli-style takeout location and mobile food truck.

The Negrons have taken some favorite dishes from their upbringing and put their own inspired spin on it. 

“The Boricua Bomber is our take on the Cuban,” explains Will. “We use a Portuguese roll– the perfect vehicle for traditional Puerto Rican pork, Pernil, which we serve Southern-style (pulled or chopped) and top it with our homemade and kicked up Coqui sauce (mayo and ketchup-based) and finish it with our in-house pickled pineapple, to make a little sweet, vinegary heat.” This fan-favorite is pressed on the grill and served best with their classic Tostones.  

The couple's inspiration runs deeper than profit margins. Will  draws motivation from “the stories of success of the one the world calls the underdog, the least likely to achieve anything, let alone success.”

This perspective infuses their work with purpose and drives their commitment to inspiring others in their community.

“This line of work can be stressful,” Will explains. “We are always looking to create a positive, inspirational, and fun atmosphere.” 

“We play a variety of music or inspirational tunes in the kitchen,” adds Maria. “We laugh, we invite wellness into our day no matter what fires might be burning.”  The couple watches shows that bring them joy and inspiration as well, citing Chef’s Table and Amazing Race as their “regular favorites.”

Perhaps most importantly, though, “we remind ourselves of where we are and where we are going!” 

Looking Forward

Hit the Spot Kitchen continues to evolve, with exciting new ventures on the horizon. Starting this fall, they'll launch innovative programs, including Couple's Cooking & Communication Intensives, “The Art of Cooking Like a Man” classes, and “Baking Boys to Men” – a program focused on building up young men through culinary education.

“[People] coming into Hit the Spot Kitchen is like coming into our home. We treat EVERYONE equally-- with courtesy and respect for the individual,” Will  emphasizes. This warmth and authenticity have made Hit the Spot Kitchen more than just a business, rather it has become a cornerstone of community connection– one delicious meal at a time.