Rising Stars: Meet Juan Baez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Baez.

Hi Juan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I have been a busboy, a waiter, a dishwasher, a line cook, a cooking instructor, a caterer, sushi chef, and now I make pastries. My parents used to have a food truck and my father used to manage my grandfather’s minimarket when I was a kid. I have always been around food that is being cooked and served for others for many years.

My wife and I (who I met while teaching a cooking class in Puerto Rico) have dreamed about starting a food-related business together for many years now, and the COVID situation has moved us in that direction.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Mostly on the financial side. Getting the permits for a Cottage Food business was a challenge, and the regulations are plenty. On the side of marketing, our funds are very limited, and so we are relying on whatever free medium we can find (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, Google MyBusiness). We’d like to have better equipment and be able to serve other foods. Recently the governor of FL approved a law that allows cottage businesses but the shipping costs are high. Another challenge has been to learn the ropes of the business, one thing is an idea and another is getting into it, and mostly alone since my wife has a full-time job.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bocados: Sweets + Savourites specializes in artisan and rustically beautiful bread and pastries for online ordering and for events. Having worked in many food environments over the years I’ve collected plenty of knowledge about flavors and textures and that is implemented into our operations. Our focus is mostly on the quality of the products and different flavor combinations (think chocolate truffles with sea salt, or Parmesan cheese puff bread, or caramelized onion and curry marmalade or a raisin spread) these last two coming soon to our menu.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Wow, there are a few things, but if I had to pick one… I say that I am a baker but I have a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, a combined M.B.A. in Global Business Management and International Marketing, and I have been a Personal Trainer for almost 20 years. Meaning I have never gone to culinary school. All my cooking and food knowledge comes from experience, practice, books, etc.

Contact Info:

• Email: getbocados@gmail.com
• Website: getbocados.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.bocados/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bocados.sweetsavourites/