Tampa, Fla. – It’s the story that captured the attention of Florida Natural Gas, the Hillsborough County Commission’s Chairman Ken Hagan, and the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Minority Empowerment Program. The dream behind Wing Boys goes back to a 7-year-old Cuban refugee, arriving during the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Javier Rodriguez got his first taste of wings in Tampa and was hooked. Today, he’s created more than 100 recipes of wings and the Wing Boys Deli.
On April 20th Rodriguez and wife Angelica Torres were surrounded by family and friends during the ribbon cutting at their deli inside the Citrus Park Town Center Mall. Joining them were special guests including the Chairman of the Hillsborough County Commission Ken Hagan and a delegation from Florida Natural Gas that travelled from Georgia to be here. “It’s an unreal experience for me to see the little dream that was in my head coming alive,” said Javier.
“Starting a new business is no easy feat, and it takes great determination, hard work, and commitment to bring it to fruition,” said Commissioner Hagan, who represents District 2. “I understand that, like many businesses, you overcame significant obstacles during the pandemic. I commend you and your team for your dedication and vision in making this day possible. Your presence in our community is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our county’s economy.”
“My heart is beating super-fast. I wish I could put everything I’m feeling right now into a bubble because I want to hold onto this moment. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Angelica.
Wing Boys Deli is part of the Minority Empowerment Program (MEP) of the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator Initiative. Designed for Black and Hispanic owned and led businesses and non-profit organizations, it serves as a catalyst for business growth that is more inclusive of the region’s diverse community. With the support and sponsorship of Florida Natural Gas, Wing Boys Deli is now part of the MEP program.
“Through the selection process at Florida Natural Gas, we looked at different candidates and their story was one of the best. We’re very intrigued by Angelica and Javier,” said Kevin Lievsay, Market Manager of the Florida Natural Gas Company, who traveled from Atlanta for the ribbon cutting. “We felt it was important to be here to support them and the Chamber program.” Michael Presto, the gas company’s Director of B2B Markets, added “Giving back to small – medium size businesses is what we do. It’s part of our DNA as a company. We’re excited to see this family take the MEP learnings and apply that to their business. Plus, I love wings!”
“The sky is the limit. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Angelica. “We are not fast food! We’re quality food, fast,” concluded Javier. “When people think of McDonald’s, Burger King, I want them to think of Wing Boys too and know that we are a healthier, fresh option.”
Contact us for more information on Wing Boys Deli and MEP – which is part of the Chamber’s Economic Inclusion programming. www.TampaBayChamber.com/MBA
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