News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting two local restaurants, Crazy Pineapple and Mariscos Jalisco, owned by a couple passionate about sharing Puerto Rican and Mexican cuisine. This celebration acknowledges the vital contributions of Hispanic-owned businesses in the state, with numerous cultural events highlighting the resilience and cultural richness of the community. The couples’ dedication to providing authentic food reflects their pride in their heritage and highlights the larger role of Hispanic businesses in enriching South Carolina’s economy and culture.
Columbia, South Carolina is currently celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States. This year, two local restaurants, Crazy Pineapple and Mariscos Jalisco, owned by Veronica Ruiz and her husband Jose, are taking center stage by showcasing the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican and Mexican cuisine.
The significance of Hispanic-owned businesses in South Carolina is evident, with approximately 30,000 such enterprises reported across the state. This number reflects the growth and importance of the Hispanic community in the local economy, fostering cultural diversity and economic vitality.
Crazy Pineapple and Mariscos Jalisco, located on Decker Boulevard, celebrate the couple’s rich cultural background by blending Puerto Rican and Mexican culinary traditions. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of traditional dishes that highlight the diverse flavors from both cultures, including pineapple fajita bowls, birria tacos, street tacos, soups, street corn, corn on the cob, fruit cups, and refreshing aguas frescas (fruit water).
Veronica Ruiz, who has lived in South Carolina for nearly three decades, expresses deep pride in her journey from having nothing to establishing a successful business. This passion for culinary arts stems from her childhood experiences of learning how to cook from her mother, which ignited her love for creating dishes that celebrate her heritage. Veronica sees her work as a passion and is dedicated to providing authentic and delicious food to her customers.
The couple acknowledges the essential support of their customers, expressing gratitude for every dollar spent at their establishment. They emphasize how crucial this community backing has been in the survival and growth of their business, especially during challenging times.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, a variety of cultural events and activities are organized to honor the rich traditions and contributions of the Hispanic community. Among these events is the 7th Annual Latino-Hispanic Business Day Proclamation, scheduled to be held at the State House in Columbia. This event aims to recognize individuals and organizations that have notably contributed to South Carolina’s economy and local communities.
The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month and the recognition of businesses like Crazy Pineapple and Mariscos Jalisco shine a light on the broader achievements of the Hispanic community in South Carolina. This month-long celebration not only showcases the delicious cuisine but also highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Hispanic business owners, who play an integral role in the cultural and economic landscape of the state.
As South Carolina honors its Hispanic and Latino community, it does so by celebrating the stories, traditions, and flavors that contribute to the state’s unique identity, fostering unity and understanding among its diverse population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WLTX: Culinary Success of the Ruiz Family
- ABC Columbia: Latino-Hispanic Business Day Proclamation
- Post and Courier: Guatemalan Mexican Eatery Opens
- Google Search: Hispanic Heritage Month South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Heritage Month
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
