In the heart of West Michigan, two family‑run businesses are turning heads by sharing the culinary traditions of their homelands. Caribbean Sunrise, a restaurant in Wyoming, Michigan, is run by Gadiel Coln and his wife, AnaSue Jaramillo‑Coln. The couple serves classic Puerto Rican dishes such as pernil (roasted pork), sweet plantains, arroz con gandules, empanadillas, mofongo, and the jibarito sandwich. “I started this when I was 16 years old,” Coln recalls, recalling his early days selling shish kebabs on the streets of Puerto Rico before eventually opening his own restaurant.
Bringing Puerto Rican cuisine to the Midwest
When the Colns first opened Caribbean Sunrise, they wondered how local diners would receive the flavors that are less familiar in the region. “People cannot get over the different flavors they are experiencing,” says Jaramillo‑Coln. Their menu reflects a commitment to authenticity, and the owners take pride in introducing customers to a cuisine that celebrates family, faith, and tradition. “Seeing my longtime business goal become a reality alongside my wife has been overwhelming,” Coln adds.
Supermercado La Victoria shares Mexican traditions
Just a short drive away in Kentwood, Jos Bobadilla operates Supermercado La Victoria, a grocery store and prepared‑food market that grew out of a desire to help the Hispanic community find familiar ingredients. Bobadilla, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and his wife, who hails from Durango, Mexico, offer a range of groceries and freshly prepared meals, including burritos, gorditas, and carne asada quesadillas.
While the store’s primary mission is to serve Hispanic shoppers, Bobadilla notes that customers from many backgrounds stop by. “We try to share part of our culture with everybody here,” he says. The prepared‑food counter gives patrons the chance to taste Mexican flavors whether they are longtime fans or first‑time explorers.
Culture, community, and entrepreneurship
Both businesses see their work as more than just selling food; they view it as a bridge to cultural understanding. For Bobadilla, the response goes beyond a satisfied palate. “Seeing people embrace traditions from my country helps me feel accepted in the United States,” he explains. The Colns share a similar sentiment, expressing gratitude for the warm reception they have received from the Wyoming community.
These enterprises illustrate how immigrant families are enriching West Michigan’s culinary landscape while reinforcing the values of hard work, family, and faith. By offering authentic dishes and grocery staples, Caribbean Sunrise and Supermercado La Victoria provide residents with a taste of Puerto Rico and Mexico, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride across the region.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
