Savoring Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

Owners Alexis Carbajal and Juan Ayela have transformed their passion for Puerto Rican cuisine into a thriving business, Phoenix Coqui, located in Phoenix, Arizona. Following a demanding business career, Carbajal sought a more tranquil life and was drawn to Puerto Rico, where he met Ayela, a restaurant professional. Together, they discovered a gap in the market for authentic Puerto Rican food in the Valley.

In 2017, with two years of planning and saving, the couple launched a food truck to share the flavors of Puerto Rico. “We aimed to introduce our cuisine to those unfamiliar with it,” Carbajal explained. The decision to operate as a food truck allowed them to reach a broader audience quickly.

To kickstart their venture, they joined the ASU Prepped program, which helped budding food entrepreneurs with essential business skills, from social media strategy to menu pricing. Their inaugural event at a women in tech conference at ASU successfully established their presence in the community.

Initially, they faced challenges in educating potential customers about Puerto Rican cuisine. “We literally had to inform people that we were not a taco truck,” Carbajal said, highlighting that many approached them with requests for tacos despite the visible Puerto Rican flag.

In March 2017, they secured a regular spot at The Rock, a bar in the Melrose neighborhood. It was a pivotal moment, as the foot traffic allowed them to build a loyal customer base. As demand grew, they moved from the food truck to a permanent location. In 2022, they opened the first brick-and-mortar Phoenix Coqui in a former Greek restaurant on 15th Avenue, after carefully avoiding leasing pitfalls.

With a focus on traditional dishes, Ayela prepares a variety of authentic offerings, including mofongo con camarones, empanadillas, and pernil served with arroz con gandules. “Mofongo with shrimp is a staple,” he noted. The menu also features vegetarian options and popular desserts like flan and coquito, a coconut rum drink enjoyed year-round.

Located at 4041 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix Coqui welcomes guests Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 8:45 p.m. For more information, individuals can call 602-768-7894.