Jul 09, 2025

Xaymaca Fusion Kitchen: Turning a Passion for Food into a Thriving Business—with a Seasoned CPA Firm as a Key Ingredient in their Recipe for Success

Overview

Gregory Henry, the visionary behind Pattie Party food truck and the restaurant Xaymaca Fusion Kitchen, wears many hats: owner, operator, chef, manager, dishwasher, and server. But he leaves it to the professionals when it comes to bookkeepers, accountants, and payroll specialists.

Gregory’s story didn’t begin in the kitchen. Originally from Jamaica, he started his adult life as a semi-professional soccer player, competing in both his home country and the U.S. After injuries and life’s responsibilities sidelined his athletic career, Gregory found a stable job working for the federal government. While the role provided security, it didn’t bring him the joy he craved. That joy, he realized, came from food. Specifically, cooking for his family and community.

“What makes me happy when I’m sad or alone? Cooking and sharing my love for food.”

He decided to follow his passion and take a chance on something new. Starting with a food truck made the most sense. It was more cost-effective than a physical restaurant, allowing him to travel around Northern Virginia to test the market. As a result of his vision, Pattie Party was a hit. The truck attracted loyal customers and even catered events for the Washington Commanders and other major organizations.

Challenges

Despite his growing success, Gregory struggled to balance working in the business with working on it.

“As an owner, if you try to do everything yourself, you’re doomed. We can try to be an octopus (stretching in all directions), but it’s better to have a solid team with specific roles.”

That realization led to a fateful Uber ride, one that introduced him to a mentor who highly recommended Sareen & Associates.

“I was telling my Uber driver about my business, and he happened to mention he had opened a few restaurants in the past. He told me, ‘Go to Mr. Sareen. He’ll take care of you.’ And that’s exactly what I did.”

Since then, Sareen & Associates has taken over Gregory’s accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax needs, allowing him to fully focus on what he does best, making amazing food and bringing people together.

After three years of running the food truck, Gregory jumped at the opportunity to purchase a physical location for his restaurant. Following a few weeks of soft openings, he knew Mr. Sareen was a former restaurant owner and invited him to visit and offer insights.

“What Mr. Sareen brings is the ability to help me avoid mistakes. He’s like an encyclopedia. It’s to my benefit to have him on my team so I can learn from him.” With Sareen & Associates guiding his financial accounting, Gregory has been able to keep the restaurant organized, efficient, and focused on profit, without losing sight of the creativity and culture that fuel his culinary vision.

The Right CPA Matters

As a client for several years, Gregory continues to rely on Sareen & Associates for their expertise.

“Working with a CPA firm—especially Sareen & Associates—has been invaluable. Arun has advanced knowledge of the industry, and over time, we’ve built a relationship where if I have a problem, I can call him, and it’s solved yesterday.”

“I would recommend this firm to anyone. They’re professionals, and their employees are experts in their fields.”

If you want to experience Jamaican food Gregory’s way, head over to Xaymaca Fusion Kitchen (44921 George Washington Blvd, Ashburn, VA 20147) for an authentic experience from an energetic staff. Drink, eat, and listen to great tunes while you enjoy a culinary experience!

Make the Switch

Sareen & Associates is a CPA firm dedicated to supporting small- to mid-size businesses. We don’t just crunch numbers; we educate and guide each of our clients to ensure they meet their business and financial goals. If you’re a business owner looking for a CPA firm that wants to see your business grow, connect with us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Sareen & Associates team member. Email us at info@sareentax.com or call (703) 366-3444.