We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorge Corona and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jorge, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Together with my wife Maria Gabriela, we had the incredible opportunity to found Piacere Wood Fired Pizza. It all began in November 2019 when we inaugurated our business—a dream come true for our family. The idea behind starting our own business, was inspired by our aspiration to leave a legacy for our family. Immigrating from Venezuela and starting our lives from scratch in the United States was a challenging experience. However, it taught us the importance of hard work, persistence, and determination in achieving our dreams and providing a better future for our family.
When we decided to embark on this journey, we knew it would require immense sacrifice. However, we knew that having our own business would give us independence and financial freedom to achieve our dreams in this country.
With unwavering determination, we set out to save every penny we could. Over the course of a year, we managed to save a total of $24,000, combined with the sale of our cars and a loan. This allowed us to invest in a food truck designed specifically to serve our delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Despite facing numerous difficulties, we decided to launch our business in November 2019, just before the global pandemic struck. The initial months were particularly challenging due to the restrictions brought about by the pandemic. We worked tirelessly to serve our customers from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am, everyday.
During the day, while I pursued my regular job, my wife, Maria Gabriela, took charge of organizing and restocking our food truck with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Her dedication and attention to detail ensured that every pizza we prepared was nothing short of perfection.
Slowly but surely, Piacere started gaining recognition. We actively participated in events like Wynwood Art Basel and provided our pizzas through popular delivery services like UberEats and Doordash. Despite the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we seized these opportunities and adapted quickly to the ever-changing landscape. As a result, Piacere became a beloved and sought-after destination for pizza lovers in the vibrant Wynwood area.
Today, I am proud to say that we have expanded our business to include three locations. Our success has been nothing short of remarkable, attracting a loyal customer base and garnering rave reviews. We are now in the process of opening our fourth location this year, an exciting milestone in our journey.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I believe that what sets me apart from others is my determination, I am proud that at my short age (26 years) I have accomplished my own business along with my wife, and have the means and the financial freedom to provide for our family.
I got where I am today thanks to the organization and execution of my ideas. The development and execution of my current business began when I was in another job. I started working in the Piacere concept with my wife in our free time. Then we decided to launch Piacere and I had to dedicate to both for a while, until Piacere guaranteed a return.
It wasn’t easy at first, facing the lack of sleep and working during the pandemic made it really challenging. More than once we thought on taking a break, however our determination and our purpose of having a family was our daily dose of energy. That positive thinking allowed me to take on the challenge and accomplish it.
At that moment I learned one of many other things: the mentality of the person when facing great challenges is important to maintain a state of calm. This way you will be able to execute with greater precision and make better decisions, always thinking positively.
I want the world to know that dreams can come true no matter where you come from, while you pursue them with commitment and perseverance everything is possible. It is also very important to choose wisely your partner, because when you team up with the correct person or group of people you can always get further and have a sustainable business.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For an unforgettable trip to Miami, I would highly recommend starting your day at Virginia Key Beach Park. This pristine beach offers a tranquil oasis, perfect for relaxing under the sun or taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, and also offers other activities like bike paths and kayak rentals. After enjoying the beach, satisfy your taste with a visit to Ceviche105. This renowned restaurant specializes in exquisite ceviche dishes, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine. Indulge in their fresh seafood creations and savor the unique blend of flavors. To end your day on a high note, head over to La Gniappe, a hidden gem in the heart of Miami’s vibrant nightlife scene. This cozy bar offers live music, a diverse selection of drinks, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my amazing wife and business partner Maria Gabriela and the support of all our family. Piacere Wood Fired Pizza is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the enduring pursuit of our dreams
Website: piacerepizza.online
Instagram: @piacerepizzaa
Facebook: Piacere Wood Fired Pizza
Youtube: @PiacerePizzaCateringServices