Behind every plate is a journey of perseverance, friendship and a family that never stopped believing.
Flabio learning in the kitchen, 2013
2006
The courage to start from the bottom
Flabio arrived in the United States with one goal: to learn a craft. He started washing dishes, watching the cooks and dreaming of his own turn at the stove. Years later, when that opportunity came, the pressure and criticism were hard. A boss even threw food at his feet when it was not made the way he wanted. More than once, Flabio wondered if he could do it. But others taught him with patience and encouragement, helping him find the confidence to keep going.
Flabio in his chef’s jacket, 2019
The spark
Finding himself in Colombian cooking
Working in a kitchen that served Colombian fritangas changed something in him. Familiar flavors helped him discover what he could do well, and the dream of starting his own business began to take shape.
Years of Colombian flavor and kitchen teamwork
2020
Cooking became a refuge
The pandemic brought uncertainty and the loss of his job. At home, cooking for friends and family deepened his love for the kitchen. Seeing how much they enjoyed his food gave him another reason to believe.
Flabio beside the trailer that brings his dream to life
2021
A new beginning in Jacksonville
His friend Alejandro Gallego, owner of Delicias Colombianas, offered him work and welcomed him from Boston to Jacksonville. The move was difficult for the whole family, especially his wife. Alejandro helped, taught and supported him. New friendships grew, and the joy of seeing people enjoy his cooking made the dream feel closer.
Flabio and his Colombian food trailer
2026
A family’s dream opens its doors
Today, that dream is becoming Flabio's Colombian Food, sustained by faith and the love of his family. Isabela, his younger daughter, is a great driving force behind it. She has had to be especially understanding of a father pursuing his dream, even when he cannot give her as much time as he wishes. Sara, his older daughter, helps every day, even from a distance: handling paperwork and working shoulder to shoulder with her parents. His wife is his partner and helper, always at his side, cooking and encouraging him to keep going. As a family of faith, they thank God for bringing them this far. With their family and friends as their greatest motivation, they now hope all of Jacksonville will fall in love with a flavor built over years of effort and heart.
Straight from our kitchen
Our official menu
Explore our Colombian snacks, special plates, daily lunch and drinks. Tap either page to see it full size.
