Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Gonzalez-Capiello and Mariana Tello.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.

Everything started on a trip to Key Biscayne back. In 2000… when we’re dating, we stopped by the former Farmer’s Market To shop for cheese and goodies. We really liked the shop and walking to the beach. I told Mariana: “one day, I will own a store like this.”

Nine years later, living in Atlanta, GA, with two kids, and one the way, I received a phone call from a friend asking me if I could help as a consultant a local business in Key Biscayne who was struggling and going out of business. It just happened that it was the former Farmer’s Market. I hung up and I told Mariana I couldn’t believe what I have just heard. A year later, I ended up buying an almost bankrupt business that I had to managing remotely while I was relocating to North Carolina to keep my corporate job that paid my bills.

I was confident that opportunities only happen once in a lifetime and I was not willing to let this one go. I started focus on three mayor aspects of the business: product selection, convenience and customer service. Hiring talented employees from the industry, attending food shows across the country, and understanding our customer’s needs. In 2015 we finally moved to Key Biscayne and we dedicated full time to make The Golden Hog what it is today.

Has it been a smooth road?
There certainly have been many struggles along the way. Initially, we had to manage the business remotely from another state. We buyout a former business partner. We also survived flooding and damages from hurricane Irma in 2017. And most recently dealing with Covid-19 pandemic. But our vision remains strong and intact: To provide the best selection, quality and service to our customers.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Golden Hog story. Tell us more about the business.
There are many things that we are proud. We are a specialty food market and delicatessens. We are the place were locals and community members spontaneously gather may end up having lunch together in one of our communal tables. We are known for our delicious prep food, our gourmet deli sandwiches, our homemade bakery.

Our impressive selection of cheeses and charcuterie from around the world and our curated selection of grocery items and wines. We offer services such as custom gift baskets and catering for customers and also for corporations. Our miguelito sandwich, our Alfajores (dulce de leche cookies), our Signature Burger and our Homemade Granola are local favorites. The one we are most proud is the amazing staff that we have been able to attain over the years that help us every day to deliver our mission.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
COVID-19 has shaken the industry landscape. Customers are changing their shopping behavior and eating habits. We see more customers cooking at home instead of dining out. And we believe this trend will continue for the next few years. People are eating healthier and showing support by shopping local. Customers also realize that local businesses are an important piece to help strengthen the community.

Review the original article here:

https://voyagemia.com/interview/meet-jorge-gonzalez-capiello-tello-mariana-golden-hog-key-biscayne