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As a prominent Cuban-American billionaire, Alex Meruelo embodies the success story of South Florida's Cuban exile community, with his immigrant roots resonating strongly in Miami's vibrant Latino business landscape. While his primary operations are in California, Nevada, and Arizona, his influence inspires Miami's real estate, hospitality, and finance sectors through shared cultural ties and entrepreneurial model. His philanthropy and business diversification highlight potential for cross-regional investments benefiting South Florida's growing Latino-led economy.
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Born March 27, 1964, in New York City to Cuban immigrant parents, Alex Meruelo was raised in Los Angeles and began his career helping in his father's tuxedo business before launching La Pizza Loca in 1986, a pizza chain targeting Latino communities that grew to 12 locations and $10 million in sales by his late 20s. He founded the Downey-based Meruelo Group in 1986, expanding into a portfolio spanning construction, engineering, real estate, media (including Meruelo Media with LA radio and TV stations like KLOS and KPWR), food services (Fuji Food), banking (majority owner of Commercial Bank of California), and hospitality/gaming (Grand Sierra Resort in Reno and Sahara Las Vegas). A trailblazer as the first Hispanic NHL owner with the Arizona Coyotes and owner of the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners, Meruelo has invested over $200 million revitalizing properties like Grand Sierra Resort. He holds a B.S. from California State University, Long Beach, after attending Don Bosco Technical Institute, and is married to Liset Meruelo with three children. Known for philanthropy, he supports communities through his businesses and personal giving.