Have you ever tasted a sauce so spectacular that it changed the course of someone’s life? This was the case for Mr. Rivera, a New York City native with a passion for barbecue. It all started in 2009 at a Mets game when he sampled a piquant sauce that captivated his taste buds. Determined to recreate it, he embarked on a journey that led him to leave his secure job as an executive chef and enroll in culinary school.
Fast forward to 2019, and Mr. Rivera was proudly marketing his own sauces inspired by traditional Puerto Rican flavors. Under the Father & Son’s label, featuring a heartwarming image of him and his son stirring a pot, his sauces were making waves in the culinary world.
However, fate had other plans as the pandemic and an injury forced Mr. Rivera to stay home. Undeterred, he delved into the world of online marketing for insights. In 2021, he ventured into selling his sauces at the Gun Hill Brewery in the Bronx, attracting a crowd eager to sample his creations.
What started as a weekend endeavor soon blossomed into a potential full-time business opportunity. With the unwavering support of his wife, son, and cousins, Mr. Rivera envisions a future where his culinary creations take center stage. His menu boasts a modern twist on classic Puerto Rican dishes, designed to tantalize taste buds and honor the rich barbecue tradition of Puerto Rico’s Indigenous people.
The community has taken notice, with rave reviews pouring in for Mr. Rivera’s brisket and flavorful offerings. Despite the challenges of fluctuating meat prices and rising costs, Mr. Rivera remains determined to succeed. From overnight stays in his pickup truck to last-minute menu adjustments, he navigates the ups and downs of running a food business with grace and resilience.
As Mr. Rivera’s dream of turning his passion into a thriving business inches closer to reality, he remains optimistic. With plans to expand his team and delegate responsibilities, he is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Written by Eden Weingart, Andrew Hinderaker, and Dagny Salas. Development by Gabriel Gianordoli and Aliza Aufrichtig.
