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 MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
