Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilma Delacruz.
Hi Gilma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. I was born in New Jersey and and moved to Dominican Republic with my mom and sister when I was 5yrs old. I was raised in the Dominican Republic, where my love for cooking began in my grandmother’s kitchen. Food was a central part of our culture — not just for nourishment, but as a way to connect and celebrate. When I moved back to the United States, I carried that passion with me, even as I faced the challenges of starting over in a new country.
What began as cooking for family and friends quickly turned into something bigger. I saw a need for authentic Caribbean food in my community, and that’s when the idea for El Caribe Food Truck was born. I wanted to bring the flavors of my culture to the streets of West Michigan and create a space where people could feel the warmth and joy of the Caribbean.
Through hard work, faith, and community support, the food truck grew. Today, I’m proud to be a chef, a business owner, and a mentor. I continue to grow the business while giving back to the community that embraced me. My journey is still unfolding, but I’m grateful for every step — especially the ones that started in that little kitchen back home.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road — but every bump has taught me something important. When I first moved to the U.S., everything was unfamiliar: the language, the culture, even the ingredients I was used to cooking with. I had to start from scratch — learning how to run a business, navigating permits, and figuring out how to introduce Caribbean flavors to people who had never tasted them before.
During COVID I closed my first restaurant and it was heart breaking, I enter a grieving stage for about a year trying to figure out what I did wrong. However after lots of coaching, and praying I felt at peace to had share a little bit of happiness to our downtown community through the flavors of my food.
There were times when I doubted myself — moments when sales were slow, when I worked long hours and still didn’t see results, or when people didn’t understand the value of what I was offering. But I kept going. I reminded myself why I started: to share my culture and provide a better life for my family.
We’ve been impressed with El Caribe LLC, 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?
El Caribe is more than just a mobile kitchen — it’s a cultural experience on wheels. We specialize in authentic Caribbean cuisine, with bold Dominican flavors that tell a story in every bite. Our menu features dishes like empanadas, yuca fries, pernil, and empanadas— all made from scratch with love and tradition.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and community.. We use family recipes, fresh ingredients, and we serve each dish with the kind of warmth you’d find at a family gathering back home. El Caribe isn’t just about food — it’s about bringing people together, sharing culture, and creating moments that feel like home.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far we’ve come. We started small, but through consistency and passion, we’ve become a well-loved name in West Michigan. People now recognize us for our vibrant flavors, the music and joy we bring to every event, and our dedication to excellence.
I want readers to know that El Caribe is a brand built on heart, heritage, and hustle. Whether we’re at a festival, private event, or neighborhood block party, our mission stays the same: to serve unforgettable food and create meaningful connections. We now offer catering services, soon launching our empanadas brand for retail services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has played a role, but it’s always met me halfway — after a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and faith. There have been moments that felt like blessings at just the right time — meeting the right person, getting invited to a big event, or having someone believe in my vision when I needed support. I call those “God moments” more than luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elcaribefoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcaribefoodtruck
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AYAVH3dRo/
