Meet Carlos Lopez | President, IRoll Sushi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a Miami native, from Cuban-American parents. My grandparents & parents migrated to Miami in the mid 1960’s fleeing Castro’s dictatorship. Our Cuban and Caribbean roots are evident in my everyday life; therefore at IRoll Sushi we have Yuca chips, Plantain Chips, Mango and Shrimp Ceviche as part of our signature menu items.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
IRoll is a unique sushi roll concept. While maintaining the integrity of the Japanese culture we have added a “Latin” Miami twist. IRoll has the concept of “build your own roll” – this is an innovative idea-personalizing your sushi roll to your specifications. All our ingredients are fresh and healthy. When you experience our “private collections of sauces”- now we are taking it to the next level. And all of IRoll sushi is affordable.

IRoll is new – we launched the last week of October 2021. The idea came to me during the pandemic because the need was there. My siblings and I would order pre-done sushi rolls from X location and would always say, “I wish we could add this or take out that or combine this with that.” We were never fully satisfied with the pre-made rolls, so that sparked the creation to create IRoll – where your sushi roll is as unique as you. We have steadily been growing and attending more local events. We have able to participate in the Tropical Park Food Truck Events on Friday, twice a month at the University of Miami, and many other activations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend Andi Hernanadez recently visited Miami. His first stop…IRoll Sushi of cours.

Day 1- After settling in, we would head out to visit the local food truck events in Wynwood like “Smorgasburg Miami.”
Day 2- Visit areas like Brickell and Downtown for sightseeing and local museums like the Frost Museum and Superblue.
Day 3- Miami’s nightlife, the night would start at The Bar in Coral Gables, moving from different clubs in the Coral Gables/Downtown area – we would end the night at our local favorite “The Wharf.”
Day 4 and 5- Last but not least we would ride down to the Keys and spend two days fishing and boating.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my dad, Jorge Luis and my paternal grandfather, Luis. My grandfather, Luis, came to Miami and started his food truck business- Rainbow Catering- “los loncheros” as they were known. My grandfather has taught me everything I know about the service industry. You serve others with warmth, pride, and always a smile on your face. I learned it all from him…my dad-my superhero. My dad Jorge Luis is an attorney and is my constant – he is the one I turn to and whose advice I always take. It has never let me down or failed.

My family and my Catholic faith are my foundation. I am blessed to be the brother to 4 superstars, AR, Luis, Annia & Saramelia. They have all stepped up to help me and IRoll. They have helped from tending the register, cleaning the trailer, picking up last minute items to constantly creating all of IRoll social media posts.

Website: https://www.irollsushi.miami/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iroll.sushi/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IRoll.Sushi