From Food Cart to Restaurant: Chef Fredo’s Culinary Journey in Rochester

Chef Fredo, co-owner of Palermo’s Market and Me Gusta Caribbean Cuisine, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Rochester to successfully launching multiple restaurants in the heart of downtown. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a food business, especially during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fredo discusses the importance of community engagement and the role of local events, like the Jazz Festival, in revitalizing downtown Rochester. He emphasizes the significance of embracing cultural diversity in cuisine, blending Puerto Rican and Jamaican influences to create unique dishes that reflect his heritage. The episode is a celebration of resilience, culinary passion, and a hopeful outlook for the future of Rochester’s food scene.

Mentions in this episode:

  • Palermo’s Market (@palermosmarket)
  • Me Gusta Caribbean Cuisine (@megustarochester)
  • Cameron Outreach (@cameroncm48)
  • NextCorps (@nextcorps)
  • Rochester Royals (@sacramentokings)
  • McDonald’s (@mcdonalds)

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