Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Montilva
Hi Samantha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After college, we knew we wanted to do something different, something meaningful. Weekend trips to local farmers markets had always been our thing, a chance to connect with the community and soak in the vibrant energy. In Samantha’s family, tequeños were more than just food—they were tradition, love, and memories wrapped in dough. One day, it hit them: no one at the markets was offering anything like this beloved Venezuelan treat. That’s how Pipos Latin Food was born—starting at a small farmers market in Windermere.
Over the years, things have grown beyond what we ever imagined. Our dream to share tequeños with the world has taken us to over 20 cities across Central Florida, from Jacksonville to Sarasota. Now we are part of 8+ local markets and over 12 public festivals. What started as a family recipe is now a movement to make tequeños a part of American culture. Today, we’re making about 155,000 tequeños a year, and every single one is made with the same love and care as the very first batch. For us, it’s not just about food—it’s all about the cheese…
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We were just 25 years old when we first started Pipos Latin Food, and our journey has been filled with challenges and lessons learned from the many mistakes we made along the way. We didn’t know much about running a food business—or any kind of business, for that matter—but we poured our hearts into it. Every struggle and every misstep has been a valuable part of our growth, and looking back now, we can say that it’s all been so worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Pipos Latin Food, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are proud to be vendors at a wide variety of public events, from farmers markets and art festivals to concerts. At every event, we pour our dedication into ensuring our tequeños maintain their signature flavor and continue to win over new fans. Our empanadas are another point of pride, showcasing the most popular and authentic Venezuelan flavors in every bite.
What sets us apart is our commitment to offering something unique—filling a gap in the market by introducing tequeños and authentic Venezuelan snacks that weren’t previously available. Beyond public events, we’ve expanded our offerings to include wholesale tequeños for other restaurants and businesses, a pre-packaged food line for customers to enjoy at home, and a full catering experience perfect for weddings and larger parties. With our catering service, we cook and serve fresh tequeños and empanadas on-site, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
Our brand is deeply rooted in community. We aim to invite everyone to share in the love for food, embrace our culture, and help us introduce tequeños to new places and audiences. At Pipos Latin Food, it’s about more than just snacks—it’s about connection, celebration, and spreading joy through every bite.
What are your plans for the future?
We have big plans in the works for 2025! Our goal is to be there for our guests year-round, creating more opportunities to share the flavors you love. We’re also excited to expand our menu with new and exciting options, continuing to celebrate and innovate with the authentic tastes that define us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piposlatinfood?igsh=MTV3dTV4d3Zpcnh4cQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/piposlatinfood?mibextid=LQQJ4d
