Today we’d like to introduce you to Milton Guzman.
Milton, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Atlanta was just a pit stop between Colorado, back home to Orlando, in 2015. But that’s another story to tell. I decided to stick around and see how Atlanta would treat me. I moved around different apartments with different roommates for a few years. I was bouncing between jobs, juggling 2-3 jobs at once, trying to make more than just enough to get by.
2018, I found stability and got my own apartment in the city. Around that time, I was bartending/serving at different restaurants while working part-time at my other job.
2019, My mom made the decision to move to Atlanta and live with me. I moved out of Orlando seven years ago and was distant towards family and friends for a while, so this meant a lot to me. It was that same year Island Flavors was born. My mom is skilled in the kitchen and a very talented Chef. One night we decided, why don’t we share our food with everyone?
With the lack of Puerto Rican food spots in Atlanta, and how delicious her food is, I thought this had potential. We started small. I would bring food to work and sell to my coworkers. Shortly after started offering pick up and delivery. And in a matter of six months, we were doing catering gigs, pop-ups, and other events.
I narrowed down to one part-time job, due to the business benefiting us, and to help balance my schedule. I would always talk about opening my own restaurant while being a server. Serving the food I grew up with and watching everyone enjoy it. Things started picking up faster then we both anticipated, and we are loving it. So much in store for the future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting this business was the best decision I’ve made thus far. With my mom’s passion for cooking, combined with my ambition to bring our ideas to life. It feels like a dream come true. I would get overwhelmed sometimes, trying to balance my work schedules with the business. There were a few setbacks financially, but where there’s a will, there’s away. We’ve enjoyed every step of our journey, though. I’m grateful to be with my family again. Watching how happy this makes mom drives me the most, making it easier to overcome any obstacle.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Island Flavors is a family-owned, home-based food business, located in Atlanta. Introducing a taste of Puerto Rico, using recipes passed down from generations, all inspired by traditional Puerto Rican dishes. We offer pick-up and delivery to select Atlanta locations. We love to collaborate with some of Atlanta’s best venues and experiences, such as OURBARATL and BonfireATL. Our heaping plates and famous empanadas are incomparable. With classic empanadas like beef, chicken and shrimp. To our specialties such as Philly cheesesteak, broccoli & cheese and pizza. Embracing the Hispanic culture in the best way possible, with our Latin cuisine. It’s not very often you find Puerto Rican food in Atlanta, and we’re here to change that.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Despite growing up living paycheck to paycheck, living a budgeted lifestyle. My parents made sure my siblings and I were taken care of. I grew up with my younger brother, Jason, him and I share some of the best memories. From sneaking out at night to having him cover for me. We’ve been through it all. Growing up for us was different, but we made the best out of it. And although we were at each other’s necks a lot, we were inseparable.
Pricing:
- Pollo Asado (roasted chicken) $10 +2 sides
- Pernil (roasted pork) $10 +2 sides
- Pepper Steak $10 +2 sides
- Fried Chuletas (pork chops) $10 +2 sides
- Garlic Shrimp & Mofongo $15
- Empanadas any 2 for $5
- Beef, chicken, shrimp, Philly cheesesteak, pizza, broccoli & cheese, Sides à la carte $3
- White rice & read beans, arroz con gandules, maduros, tostones, salad, potato salad
Contact Info:
- Website: Islandflavors.square.site
- Phone: 4702526959
- Email: milguz1113@gmail.com
- Instagram: @islandflavorsatl
- TikTok: @islandflavors
Image Credit:
A’Pril N. IG: @prillakilla, Bret Baker @bretbaker_
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