We had the good fortune of connecting with Milton Angel Guzman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Milton Angel, what do you attribute your success to?
We’ve truly dedicated everything into cultivating this business. The most important factor behind my success, along with the success of our brand, is optimism and representation. Island Flavors started to flourish towards the end of 2019, beginning of 2020, and then we were all faced with a pandemic. It was a matter of time before I was furloughed from work, and had no alternative but to invest everything into Island Flavors. Adapting to serve and cater our guests, while keeping us all safe, was my priority. Losing, sleep, money, and hope didn’t make me succumb to the pressure. Instead I would always look at everything we’ve accomplished, and focus on where we are heading. While staying true to our name “a taste of Puerto Rico”, we’ve introduced so many ATLiens to not only our traditional cuisine, but to our culture. There are countless times where I’m playing Salsa, Bachata or Reggaeton and I notice everyone cannot help but dance. Those are the moments the definitely drive me.

What should our readers know about your business?
Island Flavors – a taste of Puerto Rico, lives up to its name. We provide authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in the Atlanta area. Sharing our culture through our food, music and hospitality. We offer delivery and pickup, while hosting weekly pop ups at multiple locations. Throughout every struggle on the way, persistence, optimism and determination kept me going. Patience and tolerance has taught me a lot on this business journey. I’ve learned how to accept denial, while understanding that everything can’t be rushed. With the help of 1 person, our executive chef, my mother, we’ve managed to achieve so many things and accomplish so many goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my family or any friend visits, I usually take them to the common tourists attractions, ie: Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park, everywhere on the Belt Line and to the roof at Ponce City Market. With a different pop up chef every 2 days I’d introduce them to Our Bar ATL. If they’re here on the weekend, I’d show them MJQ concourse on a Friday/Saturday, another venue we collaborate with. I love the food at Calle Latina on Decatur st. So that’s a must. Walking around EAV and shopping at the spots over there is always a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout Sung, Justin and Sarah Kim along with every over at Our Bar ATL! Thank you all for helping boost our recognition in the Edgewood and O4W area. Your continuous support towards my business and my family is something I will carry with me always.

Website: islandflavors.square.site

Instagram: @islandflavorsatl

Twitter: Twitter.com/islandflavoratl

Facebook: Facebook.com/islandflavorsatl

Yelp: Yelp.com/biz/island-flavors-atlanta

Youtube: Youtube.com/channel/UCy-ULCf6Je5d6efQUifos3Q

Other: TikTok: Islandflavors

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.