Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Maldonado Rosa.
Steven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Name is Steven Maldonado Rosa. I am from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and moved to Utah this year. I came to Utah and saw the lack of Caribbean culture represented in food and beverage so I decided to create RICAN. RICAN also found on Instagram as @RICANDRINKS, is a Caribbean-based inclusive bartending service. I say inclusive because my authentic recipes are made for all to share with my Mocktails ( Non-Alcoholic ) and also Alcoholic recipes. I have now done a few events such as a birthday and most recently, a small wedding, and it feels amazing to see people enjoying the taste of my recipes and see even the kids with a RICAN drink in hand. My goal with my business is to celebrate my Latino and Caribbean culture and allow for the Utah community to feel my native island at their next event. I have many years in the restaurant and bartending industry and I have my business to use my skills and desire to share the freshness and unbeatable taste of my authentic recipes. My hope is that RICAN can continue to grow and share the Caribbean taste with Utahns who want the Caribbean at their fingertips. RICAN is a proud Afro-Latino Owned business in Utah.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road, but with the help of my Utah friends and partner, I have been able to bring RICAN to life. I thank those who support my small business as it slowly grows and reaches more people. I myself am still adjusting to the Utah culture and community but with my business and the people who have been so kind to me, I have been able to elevate my brand and showcase my story. A challenge I have seen is the distance within Utah in comparison to other places. With there being a lack of Caribbean Latinos in Utah, I do feel as if I need to work hard to effectively showcase Caribbean culture and drinks to an audience who may be getting exposed to it for the first time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My love for cuisine and the art of bartending all happened in Puerto Rico. I worked in various restaurants and bars and grew to be a loved drink creative in Aguadilla. I am young, and still always learning and willing to improve. I am very professional when it comes to the art and aesthetic of my dishes and drinks in RICAN and I pride myself in making my drinks taste and looks speak for themselves.
I am proud of my Puerto Rican roots and for moving to such a welcoming community in Utah that has embraced my Caribbean culture and has not been afraid to compliment my work and seek to bring my Caribbean recipes to their very memorable events.
What sets me apart from others is my pride for my culture, inclusive non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks, my unique recipes, and my energy that I bring to any type of event.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success for my business will come when I can make my service into a local for all to enjoy. I come from a family who puts a lot of love into the things they do and I follow that through my RICAN business. Also, when I see the smiles and enjoyment of guests of all ages as they hold a RICAN drink in hand.
Overall, my definition of success comes from sharing my roots anywhere I get the opportunity to work in. Like many Puerto Ricans, I show my flag any chance I get and my business lets me do just that and for other neighboring Caribbeans.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ricandrinks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricandrinks/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ricandrinks
Image Credits
@RICANDRINKS
@116photography
