Meet Franky Jorge | GalaFresh Supermarkets Owner/Operator

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

Hi Franky, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind our companies success, is definitely our customer-centric approach. In any location we open, we make sure our team understands that our customers are not just customers, but guests of our establishment, and the same way you treat a guest in your home, is the way we treat the guests in our business. We must show our guests respect, we serve our guests, and we make sure our guests leave our establishment with a positive mentality and looking forward to their next visit.

Also, when we scout a new location, we look for locations that are not currently serving our Hispanic community, or perhaps serving them but doing it the wrong way. Our difference is that we aren’t a big conglomerate or corporation with a lot of red tape and barriers, each location is independently owned and managed which allows us to adjust based on that communities needs. We are able to fill these needs because we don’t just serve the Hispanic community, we ARE the Hispanic community. A lot of grocery chains are selling Hispanic products but know nothing of the culture, but since we are Hispanic, we know how to serve our people well.

What should our readers know about your business?
My roots trace back to the Dominican Republic, where both of my parents were born. Although I was born in New York, I spent a lot of my time in the Dominican Republic, soaking in the rich culture and heritage of the island. It’s a journey that’s deeply woven into my identity.

On my mother’s side, the story takes an intriguing turn. In the 1970s, they embarked on a journey that led them into owning and operating corner bodegas in New York City. These were more than just convenience stores; they were pillars of their respective communities. In the 1980s, as neighborhoods evolved, so did our family’s vision. They transformed vacant grocery stores into thriving businesses, perfectly attuned to the changing demographics.

It was through this evolution that the first supermarket in our family was born. In 1989, we took a monumental step by opening our very first supermarket on Long Island. This venture was not merely about groceries; it was a reflection of our commitment to understanding and embracing the diverse communities that surrounded us. It’s a legacy I’m incredibly proud of, and it continues to be a testament to the incredible journey of my family.

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.
During a week in South Florida, you’d start with a relaxing beach day, welcoming your best friend to Miami with sun and surf. The following day, you’d dive into the city’s artistic side, exploring Wynwood Walls and the Perez Art Museum Miami. Little Havana would be the evening’s destination for authentic Cuban cuisine. Day three would take you to the enchanting Everglades National Park for a dose of nature and wildlife, followed by a drive to Key West, where you’d explore the Hemingway House and savor fresh seafood by the water. Adventurous watersports would fill day five, and Miami’s nightlife would beckon you on day six. The trip would conclude with a day of shopping and a waterfront dinner in Fort Lauderdale. Throughout the week, you’d immerse yourself in the region’s diverse cuisine, from Cuban flavors to fresh seafood, creating unforgettable memories in South Florida.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible immigrants in my life, particularly my parents, aunts, and uncles. They ventured into a new land in pursuit of the American dream, armed with determination and grit, even in the face of limited education and language barriers. Their relentless efforts laid the foundation for something extraordinary, a legacy that my siblings, cousins, and I have been privileged to carry forward and build upon. Their resilience is the true embodiment of the American dream, and I’m endlessly inspired by their journey.

Website: Www.auroragrocery.com