By: William Bracamount
Video: The Rouge Caravan
In Clarksville, Tennessee, Tropicana Restaurant stands as a beacon of Caribbean culture, offering not only an authentic dining experience, but also a story of resilience, love and family entrepreneurship. Anyolina Valentin, the force behind this successful establishment, shares her journey full of challenges, achievements and the unwavering conviction that the entrepreneurial spirit, when nurtured with passion and dedication, transcends any obstacle.
The Birth of a Dream
“We’ve been in [Clarksville] for 18 years. We came here because my husband was given military orders,” Anyolina begins, revealing the origin of a business that began with her husband’s vision of opening a restaurant after considering leaving the military. This idea, while promising, was not without its difficulties: “It was a little bit difficult… he couldn’t be there [due to his military service], I had to be alone.” But against all odds, the dream took shape, rooted in determination and family teamwork.
The conception of Tropicana Restaurant faced significant challenges from the start. The very nature of military service, with its constant moves and commitments, posed a considerable obstacle. “It was a little bit difficult… he couldn’t be there, I had to be alone,” Anyolina recalls of the early days, when the idea of a restaurant seemed more like a distant dream than a real possibility. However, this trying period strengthened Anyolina and her husband’s resolve, becoming the catalyst to pursue their vision with even greater fervor.
“The main idea was my husband’s,” says Anyolina, highlighting the origin of the project as a spark of inspiration in the mind of her life partner. Despite the separations forced by military obligations, the idea of creating a space that offered a piece of their Caribbean culture in Tennessee remained alive, fueled by conversations, planning and, above all, by the hope of building a future together beyond the barriers of military service.
The Strength of Family
The story of Tropicana is, at its core, a family story. Anyolina’s parents played a crucial role in the restaurant’s beginnings, a decision that altered their retirement plans but strengthened the business core of the project. “That was the formation of Tropicana,” Anyolina explains. This union not only provided the necessary support during challenging times, but also instilled a rich cultural heritage into the restaurant’s identity.
A Menu That Crosses Borders
Tropicana’s culinary offering is a tribute to the rich Caribbean cuisine, an experience Anyolina and her family are proud to share. “It’s Caribbean food… where we have the plantains, the meats, the fried food,” says Anyolina, highlighting how each dish is an extension of her Dominican heritage and a bridge to the diversity of her clientele. “There is no specific type of customer,” happily reflecting the acceptance and love for her roots that they have found in such a diverse community.
The Growth of a Business Community
Reflecting on the evolution of Clarksville, Anyolina notes a significant shift in the entrepreneurial mindset of the Hispanic community. “We have lost a little bit of the fear of starting a business,” she observes, noting how the presence of Hispanic businesses has grown, enriching the city with cultural and culinary diversity. For her, this is a testament to the power of diversity and the importance of supporting each other within the business community.
A Message of Inspiration
With a mix of gratitude and conviction, Anyolina offers words of encouragement to other entrepreneurs: “When you are afraid… fear is failure. And if we were, failure wins and fear wins. But if you are afraid and you push forward… those who don’t take steps forward are going nowhere.” This message, forged from her own experience, is a call to action for all those who dream of building something of their own.
Tropicana Restaurant's journey is living proof that entrepreneurship, fueled by passion, dedication and family support, can overcome any adversity. Anyolina Valentin and her family have not only created a space where Caribbean food is celebrated, but they have also inspired a community with their success story. In every dish served at Tropicana, there is a story of love, family and the tireless entrepreneurial spirit that continues to fuel dreams and palates alike.
