Food truck to restaurant: Destiny Henderson brings Puerto Rican and Mexican flavors to Port Huron

The entrepreneurial spirit thrives on the desire to create something from nothing. Port Huron resident Destiny Henderson made her dream a reality with her new restaurant, Little Puerto Rican Lady Latin Food, located at 1735 24th Street in Port Huron.

Henderson was born and raised in Chicago and moved to Port Huron in 2003 after a tragic incident involving a close friend. Henderson began cooking when she was young and learned her culinary skills from her family. 

“I’ve been cooking my whole life. I was in the kitchen with my grandma, father, and grandfather who taught me how to cook the Puerto Rican dishes and recipes that I use still to this day in my restaurant. My ex-husband’s mother taught me how to prepare Mexican Cuisine and I just began to infuse the different flavors to create a variety of unique meals for my family,” Henderson says.

These early lessons in the kitchen gave Little Puerto Rican Lady its authentic twist of Puerto Rican and Mexican foods with an added twist of other Latin flavors. Before acquiring her storefront for the restaurant Henderson operated her business out of a food truck/trailer in May 2023.

Left to Right: Chicken Birria taco, Chicken Jibarito and Chicken Pinchos.

“This has always been a dream of mine, I love cooking. It’s the encouragement of others who have tried my food over the years that led me to wanting to start a business,” Henderson says. 

The Little Puerto Rican Lady’s menu features a variety of items that will add spice and unique flavors to the taste buds. Their Jibarito is a steak sandwich that uses plantains instead of a traditional bun or bread, providing a unique culinary experience. Some of their most popular items on the menu include the Birria Tacos, beef and chicken tacos, nachos, and the Birria Pizza. 

The restaurant is currently run and operated by Henderson, her daughters, and her husband. Although Henderson and her family have faced challenges along the way, she continues to persevere in making her dreams come true. 

“Starting a business has been difficult due to the unforeseen obstacles that can arise at any given moment, but hearing my girls tell me how proud they are of me makes it all worth it in the end,” Henderson says.