We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Montanez-Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
If I never took the risk to open my brick and mortar I would’ve never learned that prefer catering and vending at events and corporate offices. While brick and mortar may be very lucrative with the right location and marketing, it is definitely more of a risk.

Plate with mashed potatoes, dark meat pieces, and garnishes on a white square dish.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Vicky’s Island Hop is a Fusion Caribbean concept, that highlights my Puerto Rican and Haitian heritage as well as my favorite throughout the Caribbean. It started as a side hustle after teaching during the day O would come home and cook meals on Shef.com.

I believe my fusion concept sets me apart from any competition.
It was very challenging to get started because I am literally doing it all. Ii have per diem staff who help with large catering events, but I don’t have day to day staff so everything falls on me. I know one day God will bless me with a mentor and investors to make my vision of growth a reality

Four black meal containers filled with chicken, mixed vegetables, broccoli, carrots, peas, and corn, arranged on a granite countertop.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting I would definitely take her to breakfast club for brunch, check out a new exhibit at the museum of natural sciences. Then cruise around the city looking for iconic murals to snap photos with. Stop and grab some signature oysters at Rouxpour (Sugar Land) then finish off with a little gelato in River Oaks.

Clothesline with flags and decorations, table with plants and flowers, orange traffic cones, and a building with a garage door.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my parents Ben and Marie. Without the Puerto Rican and Haitian marriage I would’ve never learned to cook from both cultures!! Though they didn’t want me to leave teaching to pursue a brick and mortar, but they definitely come out and support at most of my events. Lucille has always encouraged me to pursue my food business and not give up. My brother, Jason for coming out to events and hiring me to cater events.!the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for grants for my business, hiring me for events and the business network in our community. The Barbados Association of Texas who booked me for my first catering gig in Houston 6 years ago. Also the customers who book especially the ones who book repeatedly!

Website: https://islandhopllc.toast.site/

Instagram: Vickyislandhop

Facebook: Vickysislandhop

Youtube: Vickysislandhop

Other: TikTok Vickysislandhop

People line up at a food stand with trays of various dishes, including rice and vegetables, outdoors at night.

Menu for Dicky's Island Hop Fusion Caribbean Kitchen featuring jerk chicken, ribs, and sides, with colorful text and images of food.

Multiple trays of fried chicken and other fried foods on a stainless steel counter in a kitchen.

Image Credits
Victoria Montanez Roberts
Billy Agaba-Agaba studios

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