Carolina García and Carolina Salinas left their home country of Venezuela and settled in Somerville, Massachusetts in 2015. While getting to know their new surroundings, they noticed that many people in the city often carried bags of food with them. This inspired their decision to dedicate themselves to food in their new home, and open their own Venezuelan restaurant, Carolicious.
Entrepreneurs Carolina G. and Carolina S. owned a successful laser engraving company in Caracas, Venezuela, for almost 14 years. When their daughters graduated from high school, they decided to move to the United States to provide them with better educational opportunities. Like many Venezuelans who have made the decision to leave their home country, their families are now spread all throughout the world. But to this corner of Massachusetts, the two Carolinas brought a piece of Venezuela with them.
The decision to open their restaurant came after being members of the Somerville Arts Council Program, Nibble, for 3 years. During this time, they experienced festivals, food markets, and caterings. They decided to acquire their own food license, which took a year to materialize, and in 2019 they founded Carolicious Venezuelan Food. They celebrated their one-year anniversary last month.
Carolicious owes its roots to the arepa, they explained, which is the star of their menu.
“This undertaking fills us with pride as we feel like ambassadors of our culture and gastronomy,” they told IQLatino. Their clientele reflects the diversity of the Boston and Somerville area, which includes students from schools like MIT and Harvard, craft beer fans, and new fans of Venezuelan food.
“In these 4 years we have felt loved and appreciated. People love the arepa, and the pabellón bowl has conquered the palettes of people from all over the world,” they said. They called their journey a precious growth experience, during which they have gotten to apply their previous knowledge and experiences as well as made new relationships and connections with the city of Somerville. “Without a doubt, it has been a wonderful experience that makes us feel very proud of our roots. When someone tells us that it is their first arepa we are immensely happy,” they added.
As for advice to fellow Latino entrepreneurs who wish to start their own project or venture in the United States, Carolina G. and S. offered some suggestions: discipline, honesty, gratitude, love for what one does, an excellent product or service, honoring every opportunity, knowing the process of your undertaking, and involvement with the city of your venture. Additionally, they highlight the importance of respect towards your roots as well as towards the culture of the country that receives you. “Ask yourself this question,” they said, “how do you want other people to know the country that you represent?”
Check out Carolicious on Instagram at @carolicious424, Facebook at Carolicious, or visit their website. And next time you are in the Boston area, make sure to stop by for a delicious arepa!